Esports and fantasy betting development (Colombia)

Full article

1) The Fast Status Quo: From "Niche" to Mainstream

In 2024-2025, Colombia formalized e-sports as part of the sports ecosystem and at the same time enshrined it in the logic of legal online gambling: bets on eSports are permissible under the current Coljuegos online model, and fantasy games (DFS/seasonal) are classified as "Internet modality" subject to technical requirements and license conditions.

Why it matters. The recognition of eSports at the level of the law (Proyecto de Ley 026 de 2024 initiative, supported by the Senate in 2025) accelerated the institutionalization of eSports (federations, leagues, clubs), which means the growth of audience, sponsorship and affordable "matchmaking" for betting.

2) What Coljuegos allows: eSports and fantasy

eSports as a betting entity. Coljuegos clarified that esports can be offered in the product line of "bets on real non-sporting events," which requires a general online license (concession) and integration with certified providers and technical systems. Fixed coefficients and stock exchange format are allowed.

Fantasy games. Back in 2019, the regulator recognized the online operation of fantasy games and eSports as viable, subject to the legal and technical requirements of Coljuegos. In practice, this means: fantasy falls under the "juegos operados por internet" and requires the same concession model and reporting.

General requirements for online gaming. Coljuegos prescribes standards for honesty, cybersecurity, accountability and player protection (age restrictions, responsible play). For online games, there is a regulation on payments and transparency of conditions (including public support and a mechanism for contacting the regulator).

3) Licensing and compliance: how to enter the white zone

1. draws up a Coljuegos concession for games "operated via the Internet," listing the types of products (eSports/fantasy inclusive);

2. Connects certified line/market providers and reporting module

3. fulfills the requirements for KYC/AML, responsible play and data protection.

4) Demand and infrastructure: who forms the ecosystem

Federations and tournament scene. The country has the Federation of Electronic Sports (FEDECOLDE), which coordinates the calendar and development of disciplines (EA Sports FC, Free Fire, LoL, etc.). This fuels the local competitive base and stable tournament schedule - fuel for legal betting.

Players and UX. In the real betting segment, legal operators are dominated by mobile channels and local payment methods (PSE/Nequi/Daviplata), which lowers the entry threshold for the new eSports/fantasy audience. (The methods themselves are described by the regulator and operators on their portals; payment and support terms are controlled by Coljuegos.)

5) Fighting illegal immigrants: precedents 2025

Coljuegos has stepped up the mopping up of gray sites, including those that offered unlicensed markets (political bets/otherwise). In 2025, the regulator ordered the blocking of the portal with bets on electoral events and, in general, increased the scale of suppression (from blocking sites and social profiles to equipment seizures). For players and partners, the signal is obvious: outside the concession, there is a high risk of blocking and loss of funds.

6) Launch Practice: Checklist for eSports/Fantasy Product

License (concession) of Coljuegos. Separately designate eSports and fantasy in the subject of the contract, indicate domains/brands.

Line and providers. Use market providers with certifications under Colombian jurisdiction; support fixed-odds and exchange formats, if necessary.

Offer and consumer protection. Age filters, limits, responsible play mechanics and transparent communication of conditions.

Monitoring and reporting. Integration with Coljuegos systems, event logging and timely reporting.

Marketing without "red flags." Avoid mentioning political events/illegal markets; comply with advertising restrictions and geo-targeting. Precedents 2025 showed that the regulator acts quickly.

7) What's next: Trends through 2026

More local events. Legislative recognition of eSports stimulates the creation of national leagues/calendars, which increases the "occupancy" of markets and the quality of risk management.

Fantasy segment growth. With "white" infrastructure and mobile wallets, fantasy has the potential of fast onboarding and soft monetization of the fan community of clubs/leagues.

Maintaining strict supervision. Coljuegos will continue to block illegal immigrants and put pressure on traffic providers/social networks - this protects the market and increases the cost of non-compliance with the rules.

Colombia is one of the few LatAm markets where eSports betting and fantasy have a clear legal trajectory: through the Coljuegos online concession, with understandable technical requirements and a focus on protecting players. Recognition of e-sports at the legislative level, the work of the federation and the active cleansing of illegal immigrants create conditions for sustainable vertical growth - subject to discipline in licensing, reporting and product ethics.