Coljuegos, the Colombian Gambling Authority, has issued a statement clarifying that no political campaign or presidential candidate has sought approval to carry out raffles or other games.
The Authority has also emphasised that any activity of this nature is illegal and will be subject to investigations and potential sanctions.
Marco Emilio Hincapié, Coljuegos President, said: "We want to be clear with the citizens and with those who aspire to the first office of the Nation: Raffles and promotions in Colombia are regulated and are part of the monopoly that generates income for the health of Colombians.
"No campaign has filed an application for operation, and it is our duty to remember that compliance with legal requirements is mandatory to guarantee the transparency and legality of the exploitation of games of luck and chance."
Under the current legal framework in Colombia, it is strictly illegal for any raffle to offer cash as its main prize, apart from exceptional cases.
Hincapié continued: "We call on citizens not to participate in raffles that do not display the logo of the entity and the respective authorization resolution number. In addition, we emphasize that the irregular use of games of luck and chance in electoral contexts will not be allowed.
"We invite campaigns and candidates that, if they wish to hold a raffle or promotion, they approach the entity and request the respective authorization.
“From Coljuegos, we have all the disposition to give processing and advice to those who have it. Protecting resources for health is everyone's responsibility."
The Colombian presidential election is expected to take place on 31 May
