Casino's role in tourism - Colombia

Why tourism needs casinos

Colombia is experiencing a tourist boom: according to the Ministry of Trade/MinCIT and the media, ~ 6.7 million tourists visited the country in 2024 (a historical record), and in January-May 2025, the entry of foreigners increased by another 6.6% y/y. This is increasing demand for evening and off-site activities - a niche where casinos and bingo operate as part of the urban night economy.

At the same time, the legal gambling industry demonstrates stable fees, which is important for the reputation of the direction: in 2024, the entire sector transferred over 1 trillion COP to health care, of which casinos and bingo - over COP 79 million USD (≈ 348 billion COP). For a tourist, this is a marker of "white" infrastructure and quality control.

Cartagena: "showcase" for cruisers and city-break

Cartagena de Indias is the main maritime "entrance" to the country. Cruise seasonality 2024-2025 brought the city hundreds of calls and a tangible economic effect: the port reported 287,876 transit passengers + 124,760 crew members and an estimated impact of $44.5 million per season (some guests stay in the city/return for longer tours).

For the evening leisure of tourists - dozens of "casino/poker club" halls in the historical center and Bocagrande (Rio Casino, Masters Royale, etc.; up-to-date list - in guide books/directories of attractions). These are not "integrated resorts" in the style of Macau, but urban casinos, inscribed in the route "old town → restaurants → embankment → casinos."

Bogota and Medellín: MICE, gastronomy, nightlife

Metropolitan and "Pais" clusters pull business and event tourism: from conferences and concerts to football matches. The placement sector stably keeps the load (in May 2025, DANE recorded 47.3% in the country; Bogota - ~ 58.7%, Cartagena - ~ 56.6%), and casino/bingo are a familiar part of the night program for business guests and foodie tourists.

Business tourism: GAT Expo in Cartagena

The profile B2B event GAT Expo annually gathers operators, providers and investors in Cartagena. In 2025, the exhibition was held April 28-30 at the Las Américas Center; the organizers noted the expansion of the exposition (slots, roulettes, live solutions, platforms). This is a direct contribution to the MICE flow: air travel, hotels, restaurants, a cultural program - and, of course, visits to local casinos.

Rules for tourists: what is important to know

Age: You can play from the age of 18. Casinos operate under license from Coljuegos, and advertisements and venues are required to post responsible gambling warnings. Bring your Passport/Login ID and KYC.

Finance and security: legal casinos/bingo are part of the "white" sector, which transfers rents to healthcare and operates under the control of Coljuegos. This reduces the risks of "gray" practices and payment disputes.

Product expectations: classic tables (roulette, blackjack, baccarat), slots/video slots, sometimes poker clubs; the format is town halls, often near hotels and shopping streets. (Current addresses are in tourist guides and aggregators for Cartagena/Bogota/Medellin.)

How casinos enhance the tourist experience

1. Nightlife magnet. After the beach/excursions - an understandable "evening anchor," especially for a cruise passenger for 1-2 days. The economics of cruising in Cartagena confirm the weight of short-term spending in the city.

2. Addition to gastronomy and shopping. The tourist spends "short checks" (bar, taxi, entrance tickets), and casinos close part of the demand for entertainment "under the roof" during the rainy season.

3. Events and promos. On the days of large matches/concerts, casinos increase the flow, and during industrial exhibitions (GAT) they organize guest programs and tours of the halls.

Risks and how to minimize them (for the city and business)

Responsible play and protection of the destination brand. In Colombia, warnings/restrictions in advertising are mandatory; guest traffic should be directed only to licensed halls in order to avoid a negative agenda.

Quality of service. For an international guest, basic English at the front office, transparent table limits and understandable navigation (especially in "cruise" peaks) are critical.

Link with cruises. The port/city is already measuring the economic effect of the season; synchronization with liners (night parking, shuttles) increases the conversion of "cruise ship → city spending," including on casinos.

Practical recommendations

• Look for lounges in tourist areas (Cartagena - Old Town/Bocagrande; Bogotá - Chapinero/central zones; Medellin - El Poblado). Make sure the place is authorized by Coljuegos.
• Carry your passport/ID; follow the dress-code of some halls and photo/video limits.

• Pack "casino + gastro + museum/fortress" for liners and city-break (evening pedestrian maps, transfers).
• Maintain a presence on cruise calendars/in hotel concierge guides; work with the MICE industry around the GAT Expo.

Casino and bingo in Colombia is not a "separate world," but part of the tourist ecosystem of major cities and ports. Record tourist figures of 2024 and growth of 2025 push the demand for evening activities, and the legal sector under the supervision of Coljuegos gives guests clear rules (18 +, responsible play) and a safe service. Cartagena stands out with a bunch of cruises ↔ a night economy with dozens of halls, Bogota and Medellin - due to MICE and gastronomy, and industrial exhibitions like GAT Expo add a steady flow of business visitors. This is beneficial to both the tourist (choice, comfort) and the city (jobs, taxes, the "long" image of the country).

Note: Casino addresses/hours and table composition change regularly; check with up-to-date travel catalogues, port bulletins and Coljuegos licences before publishing travel guides.