Dispute Over Online Gambling Data in Colombia Highlights Regulatory Divide

Conflicting Narratives on Tax Impact and Industry Growth

A widening rift has emerged in Colombia over the economic impact of taxation on the country’s online gambling industry. Industry associations warn that rising fiscal burdens are squeezing operators, while national regulator Coljuegos insists the market is growing—citing improved revenues and social contributions.

According to Coljuegos, online gambling royalties grew 9.59% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, contributions to the national healthcare system surged 26.9%, contradicting industry claims that state funding from gambling activity is declining.

VAT Debate and Market Pressures

Operators argue that the introduction of value-added tax (VAT) has severely impacted profitability and pushed users toward the illegal market. But Coljuegos challenges this narrative.

The regulator maintains that the market remains strong and has been supported by robust enforcement efforts against unauthorized platforms. In a recent statement, Coljuegos revealed:

• 27,325 unlicensed gambling sites have been blocked under the current administration
• More than 17,000 additional blocking orders have been issued

Coljuegos claims these enforcement actions help ensure that licensed operators benefit from a cleaner, more regulated digital ecosystem.

Licensed Operators and Market Size

Coljuegos also highlighted the scope of Colombia’s legal market. As of now, 14 licensed operators are authorized to offer online gambling, including major platforms such as:

• Betplay, Wplay.co, Sportium, Rivalo, Luckia, Zamba
• Stake, Betano, Codere, Betsson, Bingocasinos.co, Bwin, Rushbet, Yajuego

These companies serve a combined user base of over 12.4 million registered accounts, reflecting widespread adoption and significant market scale.

Diverging Views on Sector Health

While operators argue that tax policies are hurting profits and driving users to offshore sites, Coljuegos continues to counter with statistics showing increased revenues, stronger regulation, and expanded contributions to public health initiatives.