Colombia’s gaming authority, Coljuegos, has shut 10,000 websites and social media profiles that provide illicit betting as part of its most recent black market operation.
Coljuegos stated in a press statement that the prohibited sites engaged in gambling activities in the country without maintaining a local license or paying the required annual fees.
The blacklisted sites included virtual casinos and bingo halls, as well as sports betting companies that offered illicit raffles. Those detected running illicit gambling in Colombia face a fine of COP142,350,000 ($34,246).
In South America, only 16 sites are now licensed to offer legal online betting
The regulator stated that it is now initiating 35 administrative sanctioning actions against personalities and companies that promote illicit gaming on social media platforms. Coljuegos has also contacted the national police and the tech company Meta to block an additional 289 media profiles that engage in or promote illegal gambling.
See also:
- Last rooms available at the Hilton Buenos Aires Hotel
- SPRIBE Defends Its Intellectual Property Rights in Its Aviator Crash Game
- Lightning Box unleashes Thundering Tigeg
“During our administration, we have managed to decisively attack illegal operators who, through fraudulent sites, operate games of chance and luck without the respective authorization,” said Coljuegos president Marco Emilio Hincapié. “This is the highest number of blocked portals in the history of our entity.”
Regulated internet enterprises paid around COP435.2 billion ($104.5 million) in license fees throughout 2024, with the funds eventually handed to Colombia’s health system. Hincapié stated that by site blockage, the regulator is assisting the government in its goal of better protecting Colombia’s health business.
The latest action comes as the regulated sector prepares to face a new levy, which operators worry could strike a huge hit. The government has renewed ideas for a new 19% value-added tax on online betting, however it is unclear whether it will apply to turnover or deposits.
The tax has been reinstated on a temporary basis for an initial 90-day term, following the suspension of its permanent implementation in December.
The Colombian Association of Gaming Operators (Asojuegos) had previously warned that the levy would have “devastating consequences” for the legal sector, sending players to the black market.
Join us on all our social channels and groups
Gameongazette is present on: