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It must be noted that Coljuegos issued a Resolution 8594 of 2025 that creates the Single Registry of Importers and Traders (RIC), which is regulatory in nature and will effectively ensure that all electronic slot machines to be imported into Colombia as from 2026 register with the system. This is a major move toward furthering the supply chain of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and preventing these devices from landing in unauthorized hands.
The regulator explained that this new registry will allow them to control the final destination of these elements used for gaming and will enable them to prevent illegal structures from acquiring them. Through the enhancement of control regarding the entry and commercialization of electronic slot machines, locally known as METs, Coljuegos aims to prevent loopholes from illegal gaming operations, which affect the resources assigned to the country’s public healthcare system.
Marco Emilio Hincapié Ramírez, the President of Coljuegos, stressed the awaited character of this regulation with respect to local gaming. “The formation of RIC is vital for the control of the import and commercialization of slot machines that are being brought into the country and for shutting the door to illegality that causes so much harm to health revenues.”
How the Import Process Will Work Under the New Regulation
Under the new system, importers/traders are given a period of 45 days starting from the day Resolution No. 20260001234, dated January 26, 2026, is advertised to register in the RIC. The process of registering must be done through the official form found on the Coljuegos website.
Furthermore, within a period of 10 days from the nationalization of the goods, importers will be required to notify the regulator of the final destination of every gaming device. This will be done by introducing a traceability framework to monitor the entire lifecycle of all the imported gaming devices.
“This process shall be carried out along with the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN), so that validation of slot machines and, at the same time, their components shall be done, so that it is ensured that every equipment that operates within the country is controlled, and certainly this shall provide the necessary resources to our health system.”
Localized Gaming as a Key Contributor to Public Health Funding
Coljuegos particularly highlighted the tremendous impact that localized gaming contributes to the subsidized healthcare system in Colombia. In 2025, the segment is expected to solidify its position as the biggest contributor, remitting COP 378.268 billion, or 39%, from the sector’s total collections.
Currently, Colombia has around 109,000 legal electronic slots, and they are situated in over 3,700 legal establishments. However, it should also be noted that the volume of the business calls for tighter control.
“It is important to highlight that the MET imports surpassed USD 22.5 million in 2024, the size of the market and the sense of urgency for reinforcing oversight”, Hincapié indicated. With RIC, Colombia is taking a major step in strengthening regulatory oversight, as well as traceability and protection in the financial flow for public services.
Source: SBC Noticias
