Colombia’s regulated gambling industry transferred COP7.2trn ($2.26bn) to the country’s subsidized healthcare system during President Gustavo Petro’s four-year administration, according to Coljuegos.
The funding supported healthcare services for approximately 6.1 million low-income residents. National games regulated by Coljuegos generated COP4.6tn of the total, while lotteries and other games administered at the regional level contributed COP2.6trn.
Coljuegos said national games have transferred COP9.7trn to healthcare since the regulator began operating in 2012. Contributions made between 2022 and 2026 therefore represented 47.4% of that national-game total, although the regulator placed the period’s share of its broader historical transfers at 44.42%.
Online gambling accounted for COP1.76trn in direct healthcare transfers during the administration. The segment also generated approximately COP1.3trn in additional tax revenue allocated to programs in territories affected by Colombia’s armed conflict.
The regulator reported more than 10.8 million active online accounts and approximately 1.9 million recurring players each month.
Colombia regulates internet gambling through concession agreements issued by Coljuegos, with 15 authorized websites operating in the market as of May 2026.
The sector has also faced repeated tax changes. A temporary 19% VAT on online gambling deposits was introduced in February 2025, before the taxable base was moved to gross gaming revenue. A 16% national consumption tax calculated on gross gaming revenue was subsequently introduced in March 2026.
Localized games, including casinos and bingo halls, transferred approximately COP1.63trn during the four-year period. Baloto contributed COP291.73bn, while regional chance games generated COP1.33trn and lotteries transferred COP1.05trn.
Coljuegos attributed part of the increase to regulatory changes covering raffles, additional chance-game formats and extraordinary lottery draws. Decree 1486 of 2024 established updated rules for raffles and their authorization in Colombia.
The regulator expects future transfers to be supported by the return of virtual sports betting and the introduction of Keno. The Keno concession was previously projected to generate COP485bn for healthcare over five years.
Coljuegos has also proposed a Preliminary Unique Identification Number for imported electronic slot machines. The measure would improve equipment tracing before machines receive permanent authorization under the regulator’s existing registration system.
Approximately 109,000 authorized electronic slot machines operate across more than 3,700 licensed establishments in Colombia
