Small gaming halls and slot clubs - Colombia

Briefly

In Colombia, even "small" slot halls are classified as juegos localizados (localized games) and can only operate under a concession contract under the state monopoly on gambling. Checking legality - through the official search "¿Dónde jugar legal?" on the Coljuegos website.

1) Legal foundation: What are "localized games"

State monopoly and format. Ley 643/2001 enshrines the exclusive right of the state to organize and control luck and chance games. "Localized" games are games held in commercial premises (casinos, bingo, slot salons, etc.).

Who permits. The special regulator Coljuegos administers the monopoly, publishes the rules and maintains registers of permitted halls.

2) "Small Hall" in Colombian: lows and equivalents

The minimum under the contract is 80 MET. For the operation of slots as juegos localizados, minimal volumes apply: as a general rule, at least 80 slot machines in total under the concession agreement. At least one room depends on the population of the municipality (by decrees 1905/2008 and 1144/2010).

Combination halls. If the format is mixed (slots + bingo/tables), the concessionaire must provide the equivalent of 80 machines and/or 24 SMMLVs under the contract. This allows small halls to enter the market through a combination of formats.

Conclusion: the "small" hall in Colombia is not 10-20 cars "for the view." Even compact slot clubs are subject to regulatory minimums and total concession volume.

3) Permits and connection of equipment: what is mandatory

Concession contract with Coljuegos. Without a signed contract, exploitation is illegal, even if the premises are decorated as "entertainment." The list of legal addresses is in the public search for Coljuegos (¿Dónde jugar legal?).

Technical control and online connection. Coljuegos is rolling out online control systems for machines (reporting on receipts/payments, transactions and element statuses), as well as updating connectivity and monitoring requirements. In 2024, a new module was launched for slot operators with online accounting of sales and transfers of elements.

Operator document package. Typical checklists include data from the Chamber of Commerce, the subject of the game of luck and chance, the life of the company ≥ the term of the contract + 30 months, the composition of participants/capital, etc. (according to Coljuegos forms).

Municipal approvals. In a number of cities (for example, Bogota), a preliminary conclusion is additionally required for the operation of the halls (procedure at the mayor's office).

4) Sanctions for "gray" slots

Penalties and closure. For illegal operation - a fine of up to 80 MZP (SMMLV) for each machine, closing the hall and destroying equipment.

Criminal liability. For illegal activities, a prison of 6-8 years and a five-year disqualification from working in the sector are provided; property may fall under the extinction of title.

5) How a player can distinguish a legal "small hall"

1. Check the address in the Coljuegos search. If the point is not in the list "¿Dónde jugar legal? , "it's illegal.

2. Look for signs of compliance. Visible information about the operator/concession, age control 18 +, rules for responsible play on the stands. (Coljuegos systematically promotes identification and RG.)

3. Take a look at the fleet of cars. In legal halls, machines are connected to metering systems; "suspiciously offline" equipment without a fiscal footprint is a wake-up call.

6) Comments for "compact format" operators

Plan volume. Even if the halls are small, the total volume under the concession should reach 80 MET (or equivalents).

Default online monitoring. Connection of slots to the control system and compliance with technical requirements - base. Coljuegos publishes updates and service materials.

Local procedures. Check municipal requirements (zones, "concepto previo," signage mode and work schedule).

The risks of illegal immigrants are higher than savings. A fine for each machine + criminal articles and closure is more expensive than any savings on licenses.

7) Responsible play and safety

Age 18 + and document verification is the standard for all juegos localizados.

Time and budget limits are the best way to keep your holiday safe.

Choose legal points: this is how you protect your winnings and participate in financing health care (the purpose of income from the monopoly).

In Colombia, "small gaming halls" are not "gray lotto rooms," but full-fledged licensed objects of the juegos localizados category: with a minimum of 80 MET under the contract, mandatory online control of machines and strict sanctions for illegal. Players - check addresses in the Coljuegos registry; operators - plan the volume, technical connection and municipal approvals. This makes slot clubs part of a transparent ecosystem and supports its social purpose.