for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
At the 2025 version of the Gaming Technology Expo (GAT), Cartagena, Colombia’s gaming regulator, Coljuegos, revealed a historic accomplishment: almost USD 570 million (COP 2.4 trillion) has been transferred to Colombia’s subsidized healthcare program over the last two years. With 33% of all resources produced by the gambling sector since 2012, this milestone emphasizes the industry’s expanding contribution to public welfare.
Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos, emphasized the government’s commitment to regulating the industry, combating illegal operators, and investing in technological modernization as the key drivers of this success. “Never before has the gambling sector performed so positively,” he said during his keynote address at the event.
This degree of financial support shows not just the fast expansion of the sector but also its growing fit with national development objectives. Colombia is showing that the gambling industry may become a key pillar for public investment by creating good regulatory policies and efficiently directing resources.
Online gaming: The Catalyst for Industry Expansion
The financial performance of the gambling industry has been greatly helped by its digital transformation. Coljuegos estimates that just internet-based gambling activities accounted for over COP 118.5 billion (USD 28.1 million) to the healthcare system between January and March 2025. This illustrates how the online vertical has become the main driver of economic development and financial returns for the state.
Simultaneously, VAT revenues from the 14 licensed online gaming companies totaled COP 147.5 billion (more than USD 35 million). The national government distributed these funds to support peace and development initiatives in every area of Colombia, therefore strengthening the social value of a controlled gaming market.
“Between January and March this year, players deposited COP 638.4 billion through legal online platforms — a 10.69% increase compared to the same period in 2024,” Hincapié stated. “This shows the industry continues to grow in a way that benefits business, peace, and public health.”
The constant increase in digital engagement also makes further invention possible, including the merging of developing technologies like blockchain, data analytics, and AI to boost openness and user safety.
GAT Expo Cartagena 2025: Centre for Regional Cooperation
More than 200 people attended the event, including entrepreneurs and industry representatives from throughout Latin America well Well-represented countries included Mexico, Puerto Rico, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. With such a varied audience, GAT Expo became a local stage for knowledge-sharing and business development.
José Aníbal Aguirre, CEO of GAT Events, praised the event’s success and international relevance. “We’ve gathered companies and suppliers from across Latin America to exchange insights on the gambling industry. Our goal is to create new business opportunities through this collaborative space,” he said.
Apart from the panels and lectures, the networking events at GAT Cartagena are also encouraging new alliances expected to define the local industry in the future.
Market Trends and Innovation
Scheduled to run through April 30, GAT Expo Cartagena 2025 will include displays on emerging technologies and trends, including localised games, eSports, artificial intelligence, and online betting platforms. These exhibits hope to give stakeholders a sneak peek at what’s next in the Latin American gaming scene.
As Colombia establishes itself as a leader in regulated gambling in the area, the combination of innovation, responsible regulation, and social contribution is setting a new standard for what gaming can achieve, not only in economic terms but also in its role as a driver for public welfare.
Coljuegos’ strategy presents a roadmap for other nations in the area since it shows how, when inclusion, innovation, and regulation work together, results can benefit the private sector and society overall.
Source: YogoNet
