Colombia regulates gambling under Law 1753 (eGaming Act 2016), creating a structured legal framework.
Coljuegos is the national regulatory authority overseeing licensing and compliance for all gambling activities.
Online gambling operators must obtain a Coljuegos licence and comply with strict AML and KYC requirements.
A 19% VAT is temporarily imposed on all player deposits for online gambling, collected by operators.
Technical certification of gaming systems is mandatory, with slots requiring a minimum 83% RTP.
Operators must appoint a money laundering reporting officer and implement a comprehensive AML manual.
Coljuegos can order ISPs to block unauthorized gambling sites to combat illegal operations.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The legal framework governing gambling in Colombia is based on a set of national laws and regulatory acts that establish the structure for both land-based and online gaming activities. The main pieces of legislation currently in force are:
Law 1753 of 2015 (eGaming Act): This law forms the foundation for the regulation of online gambling in Colombia. It explicitly legalizes online gambling and mandates that all operators must obtain a license from the national regulatory authority. The law sets out the requirements for fair play, consumer protection, and the integrity of gaming operations.
Law 643 of 2001: This is the overarching statute that regulates games of luck and chance in Colombia. It defines the types of gambling permitted, establishes the principles for operation, and provides the legal basis for the organization and exploitation of gambling activities in the country.
Decree No. 4144 of 2011: This decree created Coljuegos, the national gambling regulatory authority, and granted it the exclusive right to manage and control gambling activities, including issuing licenses and enforcing compliance with the law.
Additional Decrees and Resolutions: Various secondary regulations and resolutions, issued by Coljuegos and other governmental bodies, further detail the operational, technical, and compliance requirements for gambling operators, particularly in areas such as anti-money laundering, responsible gaming, and technical standards for gaming systems.
Regulatory Authority
The primary regulatory and oversight body for gambling in Colombia is Coljuegos. This authority is responsible for supervising, controlling, and regulating all games of luck and chance at the national level, including both land-based and online gambling.
Coljuegos is empowered to issue licenses, set technical and operational standards, and enforce compliance with the legal framework.
It is responsible for monitoring the integrity of gaming activities, ensuring consumer protection, and combating illegal gambling operations.
Coljuegos also collaborates with other governmental agencies to address issues such as anti-money laundering and the prevention of financing terrorism within the gambling sector.
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Colombia
Online Gambling License: Covers online casino games, sports betting, bingo, and poker. Issued exclusively by Coljuegos, the national gambling regulatory authority.
Land-Based Licenses: Separate licenses are required for land-based casinos, bingo halls, and other physical gambling establishments. These are also managed by Coljuegos.
Specific Product Licenses: Licenses may be tailored to particular gambling products (e.g., slot machines, instant lotteries), each with its own set of requirements and procedures.
Application Process and Duration
Submission: Applicants must submit a comprehensive application to Coljuegos, detailing business structure, ownership, technical systems, and compliance policies.
Technical Certification: All gaming systems must be certified by a Coljuegos-approved laboratory to ensure compliance with technical and fairness standards (e.g., minimum RTP for slots is 83%).
AML/KYC Compliance: Operators must appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer and implement robust anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures.
Timeline: For land-based licenses, Coljuegos typically issues a response within 30 days of application. Online license processing times can vary depending on the completeness of documentation and technical certification.
Duration: Online gambling licenses are generally granted for a period of 3 to 5 years, with the possibility of renewal if all requirements continue to be met.
Renewal: Operators must apply for renewal before the license expires, demonstrating ongoing compliance with all regulatory standards.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be legally established entities in Colombia or have a registered branch in the country.
Directors and key personnel must pass background checks to ensure integrity and suitability.
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and the capacity to operate responsibly.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee is payable upon submission; the amount varies depending on the type of license and scope of operations.
License Fee: Successful applicants must pay an annual license fee, which is calculated based on projected gross gaming revenue and the specific gambling vertical.
Financial Guarantees: Operators are required to provide a financial guarantee (bond or deposit) to cover potential liabilities and ensure regulatory compliance.
Technical Certification Costs: All gaming systems must be tested and certified by accredited laboratories, and operators are responsible for these costs.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Maintain certified gaming systems and ensure ongoing compliance with technical standards (e.g., minimum RTP for slots).
Implement and regularly update AML, KYC, and responsible gaming policies in accordance with the latest regulations.
Appoint a compliance officer (MLRO) responsible for overseeing regulatory adherence and reporting suspicious activities.
Submit regular operational and financial reports to Coljuegos as required by the license terms.
Undergo periodic audits and inspections by Coljuegos to ensure continued compliance.
Summary Table: Colombian Gambling Licensing System
A 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) is imposed on player deposits. This applies to all deposits made by Colombian residents or those with economic activity in Colombia, regardless of whether the operator is domestic or non-resident.
Type of Gambling
Tax Rate
Tax Base
Online Gambling (Betting & Gaming)
19% VAT
Player deposits
Basis for Taxation
The 19% VAT is calculated on the total amount of player deposits, not on gross gaming revenue (GGR) or turnover.
This VAT is deducted from the deposit amount at the time the funds are credited to the player’s account.
The calculation is performed by applying the formula: deposit amount divided by 1.19. For example, a deposit of 100 units results in approximately 16 units withheld as VAT, leaving 84 units available for play.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Operators are responsible for filing and remitting the VAT to Colombian tax authorities.
VAT filings must be made in accordance with the schedule set by the Colombian tax administration.
Operators must maintain accurate records of all deposits, VAT calculations, and payments.
Failure to pay the required VAT can result in severe penalties, including administrative sanctions and potential prison sentences ranging from 48 to 108 months.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
The 19% VAT on online gambling deposits is a temporary measure, currently scheduled to be in effect until December 31, 2025.
There are no specific tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators under the current regime; the VAT applies uniformly to all qualifying deposits.
This measure temporarily eliminates previous VAT exemptions for online gambling, as stipulated in the latest government decree.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participating in any form of gambling in Colombia is 18 years old. Operators are strictly required to verify the age and identity of all players before allowing access to gambling services, both online and land-based.
Operators must implement robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to confirm the identity of players. This includes verifying official identification documents to prevent underage gambling and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
Unauthorized gambling operations are strictly prohibited. Only games and activities licensed and regulated by Coljuegos, the national gambling authority, are permitted.
Operators are not allowed to offer games of chance or betting services that have not been specifically authorized. Any gambling website or venue operating without a valid license is considered illegal and subject to enforcement actions, including blocking by internet service providers.
There are restrictions on certain types of games, such as unlicensed lotteries, unauthorized bingo, and casino games that do not meet technical certification standards. All games must comply with minimum return-to-player (RTP) requirements, such as an 83% minimum RTP for slot machines.
Crypto-based gambling is not accepted as a valid form of deposit or play, even though the use of cryptocurrency is mentioned in tax-related regulations.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising and marketing of gambling services are closely regulated. Only licensed operators may advertise their products, and all advertising must comply with responsible gambling standards.
Advertisements must not target minors or vulnerable groups and must not depict gambling as a means to solve financial problems or guarantee success.
Marketing materials must include clear messages about responsible gambling and the risks associated with gambling.
Operators are prohibited from advertising on platforms or in media that are primarily directed at minors or where there is a significant likelihood of exposure to underage individuals.
Promotional activities that encourage excessive or irresponsible gambling behavior are strictly forbidden.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Operators are required to implement comprehensive responsible gambling programs, including self-exclusion options and tools that allow players to set deposit, loss, and time limits.
Clear information about the risks of gambling and resources for problem gambling support must be provided on all gambling platforms and venues.
Operators must have procedures in place to identify and assist players showing signs of problem gambling, including referral to specialized support services.
All technical gaming systems must be certified by accredited laboratories to ensure fairness and compliance with regulatory standards.
Operators must appoint a responsible gambling officer or compliance officer to oversee the implementation of player protection measures and AML policies.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Land-based gambling venues are subject to geographic restrictions and must be located in areas authorized by local authorities. Venues cannot be established near schools, hospitals, or other sensitive locations where minors or vulnerable populations may be present.
Online gambling operators must ensure that their services are only accessible to players physically located within Colombia. Measures must be in place to prevent access from jurisdictions where gambling is prohibited or where the operator does not hold a license.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1991
Colombia’s new Constitution assigns the state authority over games of chance and gambling, establishing a legal basis for future regulation.
2001
Law 643 is enacted, creating Colombia’s first comprehensive gambling regulatory framework, defining permitted games and establishing a state monopoly over gambling operations.
2011
Coljuegos, the national gambling regulatory authority, is established to oversee and regulate gambling activities, replacing the previous entity Etesa.
2016
Law 1753 (eGaming Act) is passed, legalizing and regulating online gambling in Colombia, making it the first Latin American country to introduce a licensing regime for online gaming.
2017
Colombia issues its first online gambling license, officially launching the regulated online gambling market.
2024
New responsible gaming requirements and regulations for operators come into effect as of October 16.
2025
Temporary 19% VAT on online gambling deposits is introduced, with new enforcement and compliance measures for operators.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
All technical gaming system components must be certified by a laboratory approved by Coljuegos, the Colombian gambling regulator.
Certification must occur within Colombia, and only laboratories accredited by Coljuegos are authorized to conduct these tests.
Games must meet minimum return-to-player (RTP) standards: for slot machines, the RTP must be at least 83%. For real event betting, compliance with the theoretical RTP formula is required.
Operators must ensure their platforms and games adhere to technical standards that guarantee fairness, randomness, and security.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
Operators are required to implement robust data protection and privacy measures in line with Colombian data protection laws.
Personal and financial data of players must be securely stored and protected from unauthorized access or breaches.
There are requirements for certain data and core systems to be hosted on servers located within Colombia, ensuring regulatory oversight and data sovereignty.
Operators must provide secure communication protocols (such as SSL/TLS encryption) to protect player information and transactions.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators must appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) or compliance officer responsible for AML compliance.
Implementation of a comprehensive AML manual is mandatory, following the System for the Prevention and Control of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism (SIPLAFT).
Operators are required to perform thorough KYC checks, verifying the identity, age, and source of funds for all players before allowing participation in gambling activities.
Ongoing monitoring of player transactions and behavior is required to detect and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
Operators must maintain accurate and transparent financial records, including all transactions, player deposits, and payouts.
Regular submission of financial reports to Coljuegos is required, following standardized formats and schedules set by the regulator.
Operators are subject to periodic audits by Coljuegos or authorized third-party auditors to ensure compliance with financial and operational standards.
Records must be retained for a minimum period as specified by Colombian regulations, ensuring traceability and accountability for all gaming activities.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators must implement technical tools and features that promote responsible gambling, as mandated by Coljuegos regulations.
These tools include self-exclusion options, deposit and loss limits, and mechanisms to detect and address problem gambling behavior.
Responsible gambling features must be easily accessible to players and integrated into the gaming platform’s user interface.
Operators are required to provide clear information and resources on responsible gambling and support services for players.
Sources
Primary Regulatory Authorities
Coljuegos – Official national gambling regulatory authority
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
