Bingo is a favourite pastime (Colombia)

Why bingo?

In surveys and industry reviews of 2025, among the favorite games of Colombians, roulette and bingo consistently appear: the audience goes "to the session" as a social event, and the format remains understandable and inexpensive at the entrance.

How it is regulated

• administrative sanctions for illegal exploitation - in bingo they are calculated "for each seat (seat)," with minimum thresholds depending on the size of the municipality;
• technical requirements for equipment (including electro-pneumatic baloters) and regulator access to the technical system for control.

Separately, from 2020, the bingo con presencia remota format ("bingo with remote presence") is allowed: the sessions are conducted by a designated presenter, there is a mandatory channel for supporting players, and the operator stores the recording of broadcasts and draw data for Coljuegos checks. This allowed the halls to maintain contact with the audience and after the pandemic became a sustainable practice.

Economy: notable contribution of "casinos and bings"

Legal casinos and bingos (casinos y bingos) transfer hundreds of billions of pesos to the health care system every year. Only in 2024 - over 348 billion COP, and the entire segment of "localized games" gave a significant share of industrial revenues. At the beginning of 2025, Coljuegos reported record fees and the continuation of the fight against illegal.

Where are they playing and what is inside the halls

Bingo halls operate as separate venues or as part of entertainment complexes near casinos and slot halls. Inside are traditional paper cards, electronic terminals and video bingo. In the windows of Colombian operators and content providers, the demand for video bingo and related progressive products is regularly emphasized; the largest Latin providers are actively developing their presence in the country and showing new products at the GAT Expo in Cartagena.

Online and "remote": what is legal

Remote bingo sessions (con presencia remota) are held by licensed halls according to a special procedure: the host announces moves, the public of points of sale/cards is transparent, storage of records is mandatory.

Internet gaming as a vertical (casino/slots/live games) in Colombia is allowed when Coljuegos is authorized; in this ecosystem, bingo is more often presented as video bingo in online casinos or as hybrid formats integrated with licensed operators. The key is the presence of Coljuegos authorization at the site.

Cultural specificity and audience

Bingo in Colombia is not only an excitement, but also a social ritual: a collective game, a host, instant prize draws, themed evenings. Hence the high loyalty of the 45 + audience and the steady traffic in the evening hours, which correlates with the survey data on the preferences and frequency of the game.

Security and white practices

Play only in halls and on platforms explicitly marked Autorizado por Coljuegos.

Make sure that the operator meets the technical requirements (equipment, control, transparency of circulations).

Illegal "home bingas "/social networks-draws carry the risks of fines for organizers and lack of guarantees for players; in 2024-2025, the authorities strengthened the blocking of illegal draws and accounts that advertise them.

Tips for players

1. Choose licensed halls and, when participating in remote sessions, check that the format complies with the rules of presencia remota (host, publicity of points of sale, safety of records).

2. Love the dynamics - try video bingo from authorized operators: the same spirit of the game, but with modern features and jackpots.

3. Remember that part of the bet in legal bingo goes to health care - this is another argument in favor of "white" sites.

Bingo remains one of the most beloved entertainment in Colombia - thanks to the social atmosphere, simple rules and a variety of formats from classics to video bingo. At the same time, this is a strictly regulated activity: Coljuegos sets the rules for halls and "remote" sessions, and legal casinos and binks form a tangible contribution to the health budget. By choosing licensed sites, players get both emotions and protection of their rights.