Gaming operations in Colombia's Norte de Santander department have generated COP 1bn (US$265.8m) for peacebuilding and healthcare, according to new data released by Coljuegos.
The regulator also reported that online gaming contributed COP 9.5bn (US$2.5m) through VAT revenue earmarked specifically for peace initiatives in the Catatumbo region, one of the country's most conflict-affected areas.
Coljuegos detailed that national games transferred COP 36.551bn to the department through monopoly rents, while foreign lotteries, chance games and Raspa&Listo added COP 9.516bn for subsidised healthcare between January and September.
A further COP 46.067bn was directed to the health system via exploitation rights, reinforcing the sector's role as a key funding source for public services.
Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos, said: "Norte de Santander is one of the departments most benefited by the gaming sector. Due to the internal commotion decree, this region has received resources from VAT and monopoly rents."
The official presented this information during the signing of a legality pact between Coljuegos and the Cúcuta Chamber of Commerce, aimed at combating illegal gaming operations.
Hincapié added: "With this pact, we seek to continue joining efforts to fight against criminal structures that operate games of chance illegally. Our purpose is to protect resources for peace and health for Norte de Santander residents."
The regulator has carried out 30 enforcement actions in the department, seizing 331 illegal gaming elements, including slot machines, online betting modules and bingo chairs. Norte de Santander currently has 62 authorized establishments, 3,401 licensed slot machines, and 200 authorized bingo chairs.
Sergio Hernando Castillo, Executive President of the Cúcuta Chamber of Commerce, said: "This pact is an opportunity for merchants in the region to avoid engaging in illegal gaming operations. We are strengthening ties with authorities to fortify the formal economy in our region."
Coljuegos allocates all gaming-derived funds to earmarked public programmes, ensuring resources from regulated operations go directly to healthcare and peace initiatives
