Colombia Jurisdiction profile

Situated in the northwest corner of South America, Colombia is a gambling-friendly country offering players a chance to enjoy online casino gaming, betting, and poker. Residents and visitors in Colombia can easily find a gambling option that works for them, onsite or online. It all started with the need for legislation after operators were being punished for offering services without a license. The process was undefined, so officials got to work and eventually started addressing the issue. It took some time for the industry to be regulated, with discussions not beginning until 2015. In mid-2015, GTECH became the first company to openly state that there was a problem with the iGaming market in Colombia. The company announced plans to offer a mobile gambling app in 2016 and wanted to be able to secure licensing in the country. The Ministry of Local Government in Colombia partnered with a regulatory body to create regulations to prepare the market for secure and licensed gaming. The regulations included details on game standards, technology that could be used, plus rules that operators must follow to obtain and maintain licensing. By October 2016, the eGaming Act was passed and allowed operators to offer online gambling, betting, and poker games to anyone in Colombia. The tax rate for operators was set at 15% on gross wins, and an additional 1% is paid to gaming regulators. An exception is made for any operator that provides games of skill, which are different from those of chance or luck. Such operators include daily fantasy football providers or other skill game platforms. Any operator who does not pay its taxes based on gross revenues may face fines, or regulators may revoke the gaming license. The regulator and the local government will act against those who are eluding tax payments. Gaming regulators also require operators to return at least 83% of gambling turnover to customers of their sites. The El Consejo Nacional de Juegos de Suert y Azar (Coljuegos) is the regulator behind the industry, acting as the licensing commission and overseer of the iGaming sector. Any operator who wishes to obtain a license must go through Coljuegos for approval. A license is good for five years, and every operator must ensure that players are 18 years old to participate. Online gambling services in Colombia include games of luck, poker, and sports betting. Operators can set up services via the website and cater to those located in the country. Over the years, Colombia regulators have worked hard to ensure the industry is of the highest quality. A strong effort is made to attract applicants for online gaming and review the companies for licensing. At the same time, the regulators are also focused on keeping out rogue operators. Efforts are made to block and eliminate such operators.