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Bogotá has accumulated more than COP 89.6 billion in health funds from territorial gaming activities that are regulated and controlled between January and October 2025, further supporting the role that the gaming industry plays as a fundamental source for the health system in the country. The funds accumulated were attained from legal games like lotteries, chance betting, Raspa & Listo, to name a few, aiming at the health regime that is subsidized.
The numbers were announced during the signing of a new Pact of Legality between Coljuegos, Colombia’s national gambling authority, and the Bogotá Lottery. As explained by Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos, these ever-increasing numbers of transfers clearly indicate that effective regulation and enforcement have finally translated into societal benefits. According to President Marco Emilio Hincapié, regulation has enabled bingo to steadily augment its contributions to healthcare, especially for those most in need.
Contribution Breakdown by Game Modality
Out of the total COP 89.639 billion transferred to Bogotá, COP 28.137 billion originated from the country’s 15 legal lotto operations. Of these, the lotto operations of Bogotá, Antioquia, and Valle del Cauca contributed significantly to the capital’s subsidized healthcare system.
Aside from the lotteries, Chance Betting and Games of Raspa & Listo also made their contribution to the total revenue. These types of games, granted concessions to Grupo Gelsa, sourced a total of COP 44.884 billion and another of COP 15.129 billion to the City of Bogotá. These two sources alone made up the bigger share of the total revenue sourced.
Pacts for Legality and the Fight Against Illegal Gambling
The financial expansion of the gaming industry, which is regulated, is directly attributed to the strategy adopted by Coljuegos to fight illegal gaming. During the present government, which refers to “The Government of Change”, Coljuegos has entered into more than 45 Pacts of Legality with both public and private organizations. Such strategies involve collaboration with regard to information, enforcement, and actions against illegal gaming organizations.
General Manager of Bogotá Lottery, Luis Gabriel Fernández, stressed that one of the most serious threats to public funds is represented by illegal gaming. It is estimated that money laundering in gaming results in losses that surpass COP 1.5 trillion annually. As stated by Fernández, fighting against criminal gangs is not only important in protecting public funds but also necessary to make sure that money intended for medical care reaches its destination.
Enforcement Actions & Operating Performance
Bogota has become one of the most concentrated cities in the number of enforcement actions against irregular games of chance. Coljuegos, in partnership with the National Police, has developed inter-institutional raids in all localities in the capital, even in high-risk environs like the Bronx neighborhood.
As a result of these operations, 1.037 illegal gaming items, such as slot machines, bingo, and illegal online betting terminals, have been seized. These operations form part of national activity designed to target supply chains and prevent unregulated businesses from exploiting consumers.
On the online side, Coljuegos has also issued more than 37.111 blocking orders against the services of illegal betting websites in Colombia. Website blocking has been viewed as a fundamental mechanism that should be used to restrict access to unauthorized betting platforms.
Societal Impact & Future Outlook
The revenues raised from territorial games contribute directly to financing the health services for the poorer population in Bogotá. To achieve oversight and eliminate activities associated with illegality, the government will be working towards ensuring the revenues are stable and increase over time. With the establishment of the new Pact for Legality, Coljuegos and the Bogotá Lottery are set to increase their approach towards securing clandestine casinos, betting on chances, raffles, and sporting bets.
This is particularly evident in the Bogotá example, where regulation and coordination of institutions have improved the role of gaming as a source of social funding.
Source: Ecos del Combeima
