Colombia's gambling regulator Coljuegos has conducted enforcement operations in the cities of Montería and Tuluá, seizing 569 illegal gambling devices that were operating without proper authorisation.
The confiscated equipment was estimated to have diverted approximately COP 311m ($78,000) annually from the country's healthcare system, which relies on gambling tax revenue to fund subsidised medical services for vulnerable populations.
The largest operation took place in Tuluá, Valle del Cauca, where authorities seized 548 items from an unauthorised bingo operation.
The confiscated materials included boards, ball pits and furniture from an establishment operating without a valid concession contract with Coljuegos.
In Montería, Córdoba, enforcement teams seized 21 illegal electronic slot machines operating across various locations throughout the city.
Good to know: Coljuegos has destroyed 2,582 illegal gambling items in 2025, contributing to a combined total of nearly 11,000 illegal devices destroyed between 2024 and 2025
Commenting on the development, Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos, stated: "We are cracking down on illegal gambling in every corner of the country. Every peso wagered without authorisation from Coljuegos means less resources to fund the subsidised system.
"Under this administration, there are no forbidden territories to combat the mafias that swindle healthcare resources.
"During 2025, we seized a total of 2,672 illegal gambling devices, and in the coming months we will intensify our enforcement actions to continue targeting those who commit this crime."
These recent operations continue Coljuegos' sustained enforcement campaign throughout 2025. Earlier in the year, the regulator seized 96 unauthorised gambling devices in Quindío and Santander operations.
The regulator has also conducted territorial outreach sessions in Armenia, Quindío, to promote legal gambling awareness, while addressing the 180 reports of alleged illegal activity received in that region.
