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In an ambitious move to fortify the integrity of Colombia’s gaming industry, Coljuegos — the nation’s games of chance national regulator — has signed a historic agreement with the Government of Casanare and the Red de Servicios de la Orinoquía y el Caribe. The “Pacto por la Legalidad” seeks to suffocate illegal gaming operations and promote formalization in a province ravaged by unregulated gaming.
Coljuegos President, Marco Emilio Hincapié, pointed out the huge cost of illegal gambling to the public treasury. “We lose a lot of money every year due to illegal operations. This pact is not only aimed at persecuting operators who are not authorized but also in inviting them to enter the legal framework and contribute to subsidized health through proper taxation“, he added.
Impact on Public Health Financing
The effect of the introduction of gambling regulation in Colombia has been considerable. Over the past two years, Coljuegos has collected more than COP 300 billion in additional contributions to subsidized health plans. In 2023 alone, the amount exceeded COP 1 trillion. The contributions are a vital source of revenue for healthcare for Colombia’s poorest citizens.
In the Casanare department, between 2024 and May 2025, national and territorial gaming activities under regulation have generated some COP 16.574 billion for the health system. Localized and innovative games provided approximately COP 14.413 billion of these resources. These funds have directly benefited the hospital network and medical infrastructure.
Territorial games like chance and Raspa&Listo generated COP 2.032 billion during the same period. Foreign lottery ticket sales taxes, meanwhile, generated COP 129 million in transfers to Casanare in 2025 alone.
Community Collaboration and Law Enforcement
Red de Servicios de la Orinoquía y el Caribe manager Luis Fernando Ariza pointed to the importance of both inter-agency coordination and public involvement. “We are dedicated to working with all the authorities who are engaged in combating illegal gambling. We urge residents of Casanare to always verify the legality of the games they play — both to safeguard their rights as players and also to help ensure public health“, he stated.
The instruction is delivered at a moment when there is growing alarm about the impact of illicit gambling on the economy and the fairness of betting outcomes. As part of the wider crackdown, 17 individuals have been arrested in Casanare for operating illegal raffles and games of chance.
Legalization as an Economic Development Tool
Coljuegos is multisided in its approach. Beyond enforcement, the agency welcomes illegal operators to enter the legal market, with the opportunity to generate formal employment, contribute to tax revenues, and finance healthcare and social programs.
President Hincapié concluded, “Our objective is to keep increasing the tax collection by eliminating illegal activities and bringing companies into legality. Legal gaming is not just entertainment — it is public benefit, transparency, and confidence.”
Looking Forward
The deal with Casanare is within Coljuegos‘ broader strategy to expand lawful gaming in Colombia. It shows how national control and local action can be harmonized in the public interest. With continued coordination and public education, authorities hope that they can root out the culture of illegality and guarantee vital financing for health initiatives across the country.
Source: YogoNet
