for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Coljuegos, the Colombian state regulator of games of chance, and the government of Norte de Santander organized a Territorial Meeting whose objective was to address the problem of illegal gambling in the region. The meeting highlighted the ongoing emphasis of the Office of Control and Oversight of Games of Chance, which is a department of the Department of Finance, on legality within the industry.
According to reports by the local authorities, the operation was a confirmation of the cooperation between the office, Súper Giros, and Cúcuta Lottery in promoting legal gaming while strengthening resources intended for healthcare services within Norte de Santander. Yet another bitter reality was reinforced: more than 80% of games of chance in the department continue to be played illegally.
A Pact for Legality
The meeting was under the auspices of the broader “Pact for Legality” that Coljuegos signed with regional governments. The agreement seeks to close the gap on illegal operations, maintain regulatory compliance, and receive further financial contributions to Colombia’s healthcare system.
Sergio Entrena, Secretary of Finance of Norte de Santander, emphasized that legality must be interpreted not only as a regulatory requirement but also as a means of development. “By signing this agreement, we are not only closing the gap towards illegality but also guaranteeing more resources for our health system, which is in greater need than ever of being supported financially“, Entrena explained.
Coljuegos reaffirmed this sentiment, pointing out that joint efforts with the region have already led to greater actions against illicit operators. These efforts are having beneficial impacts not only for public coffers but also for local populations’ social health.
The Cost of Illegal Gambling
Entrena reported that illicit gambling has become a serious challenge to public coffers in Norte de Santander. More than 80% of gambling activity in the department is not adequately licensed, resulting in enormous losses to the healthcare system.
The department was the first in Colombia to implement the “Pact for Legality in Games of Chance” last year. It also established the Office of Oversight and Control to prioritize overseeing gambling operations. Entrena said resources from taxes on games are directly deposited into the Departmental Institute of Health (IDS), and the Finance Secretariat oversees and accompanies the process.
Besides, negotiations are underway for a fresh contract with the Cúcuta Lottery. The objective is to increase fiscal control of revenues and ensure increased protection of public funds.
Enforcement and Sanctions
Illegal Operations Control Manager Susan Porras from Coljuegos was also present at the meeting. She indicated that the regulator has received very serious complaints about illegal gambling in the region, resulting in continuous enforcement operations.
“Every peso spent on illegality is a peso taken away from Colombians’ health“, Porras emphasized. She cautioned operators that every casino must have a concession contract with Coljuegos. Any other means is illegal and penalized with fines of 5 to 8 years imprisonment.
The size of the problem is tremendous. Across the nation, Colombia loses nearly COP 1.5 trillion (USD 374 million) a year in medical resources through illegal gambling.
Coljuegos indicated that during the previous year alone, 245 control operations were implemented in 25 departments, among them Norte de Santander. The actions led to the confiscation of 5,651 illegal products, the destruction of over 9,600 slot machines, the prosecution of 700 people, and the blocking of 27,000 websites providing illegal betting services.
These findings highlight the extent of the effort but also demonstrate success in fighting unauthorized gambling. Through the enforcement of cooperation among national and local governments, Colombia hopes to redirect much-needed funds to its healthcare industry as well as create a safer and more controlled environment for legal gaming.
Source: YogoNet
