COLOMBIA Law and Practice Contributed by: Juan Camilo Carrasco, Asensi Abogados
1. Introduction 1.1 Current Outlook and Recent Changes The gaming industry in Colombia is a monopoly held by the government at constitutional level and is regu- lated under Law 643 of the Colombian Gambling Act 2001 (the “Gambling Act”). The Gambling Act organis- es the administration and control of the gaming indus- try at both national and regional level. At national level, the administration and control of the gaming industry is undertaken by Coljuegos (the national gaming regu- lator). At regional level, administration is undertaken by the corresponding regional government, controlled by the National Council of Games of Luck and Chance (the CNJSA) and the Health Superintendency. Having been granted a monopoly over all kinds of games from the government, the regulator (regional or national) grants concession contracts instead of licences, and collects exploitation rights (royalties) instead of gaming taxes. These exploitation rights are paid when the games of chance are operated by third parties under a concession contract, or by specific authorisation. The resources obtained from exploitation rights (gam- ing duties) are used to fund public health services. Recent developments that have had an impact on the gaming sector are summarised below. Land-Based On 2 February 2024, Resolution 20241200001824 entered into force, regulating electronic slot machines (METs) that, as of the date of the resolution, are considered illegal and are not registered by Coljue- gos. This regulation benefits such slots operating in premises whose principal activity may be other than games of chance. Additionally, the technical stand- ards and connectivity conditions for METs were sub- sequently defined on 11 July 2024 through Resolution 20241200014754. The regulator also updated the rules for the ACDV games (betting on races and virtual sports). Resolu- tion 20241200028984 of 24 December 2024 revoked Resolution 1923 of 2014 and proposes new technical
requirements addressed to increase operational reli- ability and seamless connectivity. Online New Resolution 20250022644 of 6 October 2025 governs the regulator’s faculties vis-à-vis the Judicial Police before online gambling operators. With respect to licensing requirements, Coljuegos also issued Resolution 20250021304 of 23 Septem- ber 2025 allowing operators to replace the guarantee of the deposit and prize payments to players with an insurance policy. Lotto There are no recent developments regarding the Lotto. Social Gaming There have been no recent trends impacting on the Colombian social gaming market. Esports Coljuegos issued a legal ruling under Resolution 20194000840100001, according to which esports may be offered as part of a real non-sporting event product. This means that, in order to offer betting on esports, a general gambling licence (as approved to offer bets on real non-sporting events) is required, and the provider must be duly certified and integrated in compliance with technical requirements and Colom- bian gambling regulations. Esports may be offered through fixed-odds betting or through an exchange. Fantasy Sports As fantasy sports may be offered as part of the real sporting events product, esports are available under the online licence. Skill Gaming There have been no recent trends impacting the Colombian skill gaming market. Blockchain or Cryptocurrency Cryptocurrency is not allowed for internet betting.
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