Coljuegos seized nearly 10,000 pieces of illegal gambling equipment across Colombia. The regulatory body destroyed 9,774 bingo halls and poker tables, plus slot machines and internet betting modules.
All this equipment was operating outside Colombia’s legal framework. The regulator made these seizures during recent enforcement operations throughout the region.
President Marco Emilio Hincapié led the enforcement push. He said the regulator has “taken on the responsibility of protecting the legality and integrity of the sector with total determination.”
The organisation serves as Colombia’s official regulatory body for games of luck and chance. Licensed operators like Betplay, Rushbet and Codere follow Coljuegos’ rules and maintain proper licensing.
Why This Enforcement Matters Now
Illegal operators put Colombian bettors at risk by working outside legal protections. These unlicensed sites and venues don’t follow anti-money laundering rules or consumer safeguards.
“Today I want to highlight the commitment of our entity on two fundamental fronts: the fight against illegal gambling and the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism,” Hincapié said.
The regulator wants to protect public assets and tax revenue. Illegal operators don’t pay the taxes that licensed companies contribute to Colombian coffers.
It’s also working to guarantee safe betting environments across the country. Players using illegal sites have no recourse if disputes arise.
What Actions Coljuegos Took
The regulator seized 6,291 illegal items during recent operations. These included various gambling equipment operating outside Colombia’s legal framework.
Coljuegos also requested blocks on more than 27,000 illegal betting websites. The regulator called this “a significant advance in the containment of platforms that operate outside the law and put bettors at risk.”
All seized equipment got destroyed to prevent future illegal use. This ensures the items can’t return to underground gambling operations.
The website blocking requests target international platforms serving Colombian players without licenses.
How This Changes Colombia’s Gambling Scene
The enforcement sends a clear message to illegal operators. “In Colombia there is no room for illegal gambling or money laundering,” President Hincapié stated.
Coljuegos isn’t just reacting to problems anymore. “It is no longer just a matter of complying with the norm, but of anticipating, preventing and acting forcefully,” Hincapié added.
The website blocking requests protect Colombian players who might unknowingly use unlicensed sites. These platforms often lack proper player protections.
Licensed operators benefit from clearer market boundaries. The crackdown removes unfair competition from illegal sites that don’t pay taxes or follow consumer protections.
Coljuegos plans to continue this aggressive approach. The regulator said it will “work, tirelessly, to protect public assets, guarantee safe environments and promote transparency in every corner of the country.”
The organisation maintains a philosophy of fostering growth within the industry through sustainable methods.
