Online betting and mobile apps (Colombia)

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1) Context: Why "mobile" is the default

Colombia is one of the most mature online betting markets in Latin America, with online gaming permitted and regulated by Coljuegos and mobile internet penetration and the number of active lines growing steadily. By the beginning of 2025, the Ministry of Digital Science reported 91 mobile Internet access per 100 residents and 92.5 million active communication lines (174% of the population) - the mobile channel dominates the consumption of digital services, including rates.

2) Legality and who is "white"

The only legal way is to play with operators with a valid Coljuegos contract (concession). The regulator maintains a public page with a clickable list of brands, where you can check who has the permission (online). In 2024, Coljuegos confirmed 15 platforms with contracts; the current "white list" is available on the regulator's portal.

3) Mobile applications: where to download and what the storms require

Google Play. Real money (sports betting/casinos) in Colombia is allowed subject to the requirements of the policy and local license: a separate application, compliance with regulatory standards and age restrictions. This allows legal brands to publish APK in the official store.

iOS (general rules). Publication requires local permissions and geo-restrictions/age checks in accordance with the App Store Review Guidelines (operators in Colombia usually distribute iOS applications with a local concession). (Apple's official requirements are common to countries and involve compliance with local laws.)

4) In-app payments: what players prefer

• PSE (Pagos Seguros en Línea) is a standard bank gateway for online payments/transfers.
• Nequi and Daviplata are popular wallets supported by most bookmakers; media regularly publish instructions on replenishment/withdrawal and transaction limits (via PSE and wallets themselves). The typical withdrawal period for Daviplata is up to 2 working days.

5) Taxes in 2025: 19% VAT on replenishment

From February 14, 2025, Decree 175/2025 is in effect, which introduced 19% VAT on deposits in online games (including bets). Tax is charged at the time of replenishment (including transfers and crypto assets) - the base is equal to the amount of the deposit divided by 1.19; less funds are available to bet than credited. The measure is temporary and, according to the decree, is valid until December 31, 2025.

This decision is already being discussed by the market and specialized associations due to the impact on the revenue of operators and transfers to healthcare. Specialized publications emphasize that the new VAT puts pressure on margins and can reduce the contribution to the "right to operate."

6) UX/product: what's mandatory in mobile betting

• CUS/age restrictions and domicile confirmation (account is tied to a user living in Colombia).
• Responsible play: limits, warnings, self-exclusion, visibility of conditions.
• Transparency of payment logic: displaying commissions/taxes before confirming the deposit, including accounting for 19% VAT in 2025.
• Security and monitoring: compliance with technical regulations, reporting integration, data protection and event logging (a mandatory part of the "Internet modality" at Coljuegos).

7) Market and operators: What the user sees

The user choice in Colombia is a dozen-odd brands with Coljuegos concessions (WPlay, BetPlay, Codere, Zamba, RushBet, Rivalo, etc.) available via mobile web and/or native apps. Check the current list only on the regulator page.

Practical memo for the player (mobile-first)

1. Check the whitelist. Go from the Coljuegos page with authorized portals/brands.

2. Download from official sites/sites. On Android - publications are allowed, but only for licensed operators; beware of APKs from third-party sites.

3. Look at payment methods. Make sure that PSE/Nequi/Daviplata and clear withdrawal dates are available (on Daviplata, usually up to 2 working days).

4. Factor in 19% VAT on refills in 2025. The balance after the deposit will be less than the payment amount due to tax under Decree 175/2025.

For operators/partners (briefly)

Coljuegos + mobile UX compliance. The processes of CUS/WG, technical integration and transparent tax logic on the deposit are required.

Application distribution. For Play - filing according to real-money rules (country allowed), local concession is required.

Marketing. Follow the regulator's positions - Coljuegos is actively fighting illegal sites and promotions (including cases with locks/requests to platforms).

Links and what to check "today"

Official list of online operators Coljuegos (clickable brands): regulator page.

Decree 175/2025 (VAT 19% on deposits): text in state registers and explanations of DIAN.

Google Play policy by country for real-money applications (Colombia - allowed with limits): official guide.