Bookmakers and their licensing Coljuegos (Colombia)

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1) Why Colombia is the benchmark for regulation

Colombia was the first in the region to fully regulate online gambling and sports betting (since 2016), turning into a landmark for Latin America: the market operates according to an understandable concession model, with transparent payments in favor of health care and strict requirements for responsible gambling.

Who regulates. A single regulator is the state agency Coljuegos (under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance), created to administer and control "luck and chance games" in all formats (online and offline). The basic law of the industry is Ley 643 de 2001; Internet modality is enshrined in this system through subsequent acts and clarifications by Coljuegos.

2) Legal framework: What's important for a bookie to know

Basic Law: Ley 643/2001 - enshrines the state monopoly on games and the ability to transfer the right to operate by concession.

Online regulation since 2016: Coljuegos adopted a package of acts, including Acuerdo 5 de 2016 and Resolución 25334 de 2016, which laid down the procedure for issuing concessions for "juegos operados por internet" (including bets on real events). Colombia became the first LatAm market with a full online frame.

Technical regulations: current technical requirements for platforms and integrations (RNG/channels, monitoring, reporting, security) are established by Coljuegos; there is an updated version (including resolution 2022 and manuals 2024).

Responsible game: in 2023-2024, Coljuegos clarified the requirements, extending the deadlines for the implementation of measures until August 1, 2024 (including communications, self-restraint, WG tools).

3) Licensing (concession) model

In Colombia, the online operator operates under a concession contract with Coljuegos: this is not a perpetual license, but a fixed-term contract with renewal through a new competition/contract.

Timing. The typical corridor is from 3 to 5 years according to current norms and contract templates. Coljuegos documents contain contracts for 3 years and provisions for a maximum duration of 5 years.

Subject. The concession covers online bets on real events and other "juegos novedosos" (innovative games) - strictly within agreed domains/brands and game types.

Procedure. The application is submitted to Coljuegos, a checklist of corporate and financial criteria (including the experience/solvency of a legal entity), domains, providers, payment scheme, as well as compliance with technical regulations is included.

Technical integration. Mandatory connection with Coljuegos monitoring systems and compliance with reporting/log/control requirements for online games.

4) Monetary liabilities: operating rights, fixed and taxes

The financial model combines a percentage of GGR, fixed payments and government-wide taxes.

Exploitation rights (derechos de explotación). For online games (including betting), a rate of 15% of gross gaming income (GGR) is applied, which is directly reflected in budget transfers to the health sector.

Fixed fee. In addition to interest, online operators pay a fixed payment set by Coljuegos as 811 SMLMV (minimum monthly salaries) per year, paid in the first 20 working days of each year of operation.

VAT (IVA). In 2025, there is 19% VAT on online games, which is charged when the game account is replenished (and not with win/output). The measure is established by Decree 0175 of February 14, 2025 and is valid until December 31, 2025 (at the time of publication).

💡 Note: in 2024-2025, initiatives to make 19% VAT permanent were discussed; business associations pointed to potential implications for the legal market. When working in Colombia, accounting and product teams should monitor fiscal updates.

5) Platform requirements and compliance

Information security and game integrity. Compliance with technical regulations, RNG/channel certification, data protection, event logging, intervention prevention.

Coljuegos monitoring and reporting. Transmission of metrics, incident reporting, display of mandatory information to the player (age restrictions, risks, limits, etc.).

Responsible play. Implementation of self-restraint tools, responsible messages and procedures for interacting with vulnerable players within the deadlines specified by the regulator (updated in 2024).

6) How to check the legality of a bookmaker

Coljuegos maintains a public register of permitted online operators. In 2024, the regulator reported 15 operating platforms; the current list and clickable brands are available on the Coljuegos website. A separate search by city is available for offline lounges.

7) Economic contribution and market dynamics

The legal online segment demonstrates steady growth and significant transfers to medicine (through exploitation rights). According to official and industry publications, in 2023-2024. the volume of transfers and the share of the online segment in total fees increased significantly; Colombia continues to be considered a "mature" and compliance-oriented market in Latin America.

Practical "road map" for the bookmaker's entrance

1. Legal framework in Colombia + preparation of concession package (domains, content/payment providers, AML/KYC procedures, financial guarantees, payment calendar).

2. Submitting an application to Coljuegos in the form of online games (indicating the types of events, domains, providers, reporting schemes).

3. Technical integration and certification for current requirements (data channels, RNG, monitoring).

4. Financial model: budgeting 15% GGR + fix 811 SMLMV/year + VAT (for replenishments in 2025) and total tax liabilities.

5. Launch under concession for 3-5 years with renewal plan through new tender/contract.

6. Constant compliance: Coljuegos reporting, WG measures, control of providers and advertising communications.

Where to watch the whitelist right now

Official list of online operators with a valid contract: on the Coljuegos portal (including clickable brands).

Coljuegos public announcements on the number of operating platforms (2024:15): regulator press release.

Search legal offline rooms: Coljuegos interactive directory.

Bookmaker licensing in Colombia is a concession model of Coljuegos with clearly defined rules: from technical regulations and responsible practices to payment discipline (15% GGR + fix) and public registers of legal brands. Thanks to the 2016 framework and constant updates of requirements, the market remains one of the most transparent and predictable in the region - provided that the operator closely monitors fiscal innovations (including VAT regime in 2025) and timely fulfills compliance obligations.