Colombia's gaming regulator Coljuegos has clarified that the website of Swedish media outlet Expressen was blocked in the country four years ago for promoting unauthorised gambling services, after reports suggested the measure had been implemented recently.
In a statement issued on Monday, the regulator said the domain was added to its blacklist in 2021 during the presidency of Iván Duque and remains listed among more than 34,100 websites flagged for operating or advertising illegal betting activities in Colombia.
Coljuegos said the blocking order was issued under Article 38 of Law 643 of 2001, as amended by Article 93 of Law 1753 of 2015, which empowers monopoly administrators, regulatory authorities and law enforcement bodies to monitor and block websites, payment channels and digital platforms associated with illegal gambling.
However, the regulator acknowledged uneven enforcement across the market. Although Expressen remains on the official blacklist, only three internet service providers, Hughesnet, Movistar and Tigo, currently enforce the restriction. Coljuegos did not explain why other providers have yet to apply the block, despite the list being updated on a monthly basis.
The regulator also said it has no confirmation that Expressen operates through alternative domains not covered by the original ruling, underlining broader enforcement challenges as websites may attempt to avoid restrictions by migrating to new web addresses.
Coljuegos emphasized that the clarification forms part of its efforts to protect Colombia's state gaming monopoly system, which allocates revenue to the national healthcare system, while reinforcing its ongoing campaign against unlicensed operators that bypass regulatory and tax obligations.
Expressen remains on Coljuegos' blacklist, which now includes more than 34,100 websites flagged for promoting or operating illegal gambling in Colombia
