The Colombian Government issued Decree 0240, introducing a 16% consumption tax on online gambling operations as part of an emergency fiscal package aimed at funding disaster relief in regions affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.
The measure applies specifically to games of chance offered through internet platforms. In the decree, the Government argued that the online gambling sector demonstrates strong revenue performance and taxpaying capacity, noting sustained growth in gross gaming revenue as justification for the new levy.
According to the decree, authorities consider the sector capable of absorbing additional taxation without significant disruption to market activity. The measure was introduced after the Government acknowledged that the 2026 national budget contains limited provisions for large-scale disaster response, citing existing fiscal constraints and the failure of two financing bills in Congress.
The tax was formally introduced as part of a broader set of emergency economic measures adopted by President Gustavo Petro's administration following the declaration of a national economic emergency linked to climate-related disasters.
Authorities said the decree is intended to generate immediate fiscal resources to support reconstruction efforts and emergency assistance in affected regions.
In addition to the gambling tax, the emergency decree includes a series of temporary fiscal measures aimed at raising revenue. These include a transitional wealth normalization tax and adjustments to the existing wealth tax framework targeting taxpayers with undeclared assets.
The decree also introduces temporary mechanisms allowing certain taxpayers in arrears as of December 31, 2025, to settle outstanding obligations with reduced penalties if payments are completed before April 30.
Colombia declared an economic emergency earlier this year after severe flooding and landslides linked to prolonged seasonal rains affected several regions, damaging infrastructure and displacing thousands of residents
