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Colombia’s gambling regulator, Coljuegos, has deepened its nationwide campaign against unauthorized gambling with a new cooperation pact signed in Cali on October 15. The agreement, reached with the Valle del Cauca Governor’s Office and the Valle Lottery, is the 41st “Pacto por la Legalidad” established by the regulator, reflecting its ongoing mission to strengthen legality and protect public health funds.
A United Front Against Illegal Gambling
The new pact aims to boost collaboration between local and national authorities to dismantle the criminal groups behind unlicensed gambling operations. These include underground casinos, illegal raffles, and so-called “white chance” games—schemes that siphon off money that would otherwise support Colombia’s subsidized healthcare system.
Coljuegos has been stepping up its enforcement work across the country, and the results are starting to show. Since the beginning of 2025, officials have seized 2,672 illegal gambling devices, adding to nearly 11,000 machines destroyed since 2024. These operations not only weaken criminal networks but also help direct more funds toward the health sector, which relies heavily on gaming tax contributions.
Legal gambling continues to make a significant difference to Colombian society. Between January and August 2025 alone, authorized local games, lotteries, and scratch card products generated approximately COP 426.5 billion (around $110 million) for the nation’s healthcare system.
Strengthening Transparency and Regional Growth
In Valle del Cauca, authorities are emphasizing that keeping gambling within the legal framework benefits everyone. Official figures show that lawful gaming has already contributed close to COP 48 billion this year to regional healthcare, with revenues continuing to grow steadily year after year.
The new agreement brings together not only Coljuegos and local government representatives but also key institutions such as the National Police, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Valle Departmental Assembly. Their involvement ensures a coordinated approach to enforcement, public awareness, and community engagement.
This pact is part of a larger, countrywide effort by Coljuegos to strengthen regional oversight. Similar agreements with departments including Chocó, Tolima, and Huila have helped expand regulatory coverage, while recent raids in Montería and Tuluá resulted in the confiscation of hundreds of unauthorized machines.
Through this growing network of alliances, Colombia is taking firm steps to ensure that gambling remains a legitimate source of entertainment and a sustainable contributor to social welfare. The latest partnership in Valle del Cauca highlights that when public and private institutions work hand in hand, the impact extends far beyond regulation—it helps protect vital resources and build a culture of transparency across the nation.
Source: gamblinginsider.com
