In a recent development underscoring its commitment to responsible gambling (RG), Coljuegos—the Colombian gaming control board—announced a revised timeline for the adoption of mandatory RG actions. The Colombian gaming authority has granted operators with ongoing concession contracts until August 1, 2024, to successfully enact plans aimed at promoting responsible gaming practices among the Colombian gambling community.
The president of Coljuegos, Marco Emilio Hincapié, has articulated that the essence of Resolution 7,624 of 2024 is to incentivize operators to devise and execute strategies that elevate awareness about the risks associated with excessive gambling. Through this extended timeline, Coljuegos aims to ensure that the gaming industry works collaboratively to safeguard players and foster a sustainable gambling environment.
Hincapié laid out the two-phased approach of the responsible gaming strategy, where the first phase entails the “implementation” of player self-control mechanisms by the operators. Following this, the “monitoring” phase comes into effect, where the effectiveness of these strategies will be evaluated in order to assess their impact on promoting responsible gaming behaviors.
In a proactive move set for May 2, a working group within Coljuegos will hold a meeting with foundations focused on forging an alliance to champion the cause of responsible gaming.
Hincapié, stressing the importance of this initiative, highlighted that the Colombian gaming regulator is in pursuit of robust procedures to amplify RG promotion, with a particular emphasis on protecting the most susceptible demographics in Colombian society. As part of these endeavors, Coljuegos has been diligently coordinating with gaming operators for the development of responsible gaming guidelines, including the creation of good practice manuals to act as a cornerstone for this initiative.
Moreover, Coljuegos is actively establishing a support network aimed at supporting individuals who demonstrate signs of problematic gambling behaviors. To this end, collaborations are being forged with organizations and institutions offering mental health services, aligning with the overarching goal of providing comprehensive support to those at risk.
In a parallel legislative process in October of the previous year, a proposed bill sought to vest Coljuegos with the authority to regulate gambling advertisements in Colombia. Coljuegos responded by issuing a resolution delineating its proposed measures to regulate such advertising. The resolution had set forth a series of regulations, including capping marketing expenditure at 20% of projected gross gambling revenue (GGR), proscribing misleading advertisements, and outlawing marketing communications directed at individuals who had opted for self-exclusion. Nevertheless, this initiative hit a roadblock, as the Colombian government opted not to ratify the resolution, resulting in the bill not passing into law.
It’s pertinent to note that Colombia has a storied history with respect to gambling legislation. The Colombian congress enacted Law 643 in 2001, which brought forth the Gambling Act. Subsequently, Colombia set a precedent in Latin America, becoming the first country to regulate internet gaming via the Egaming Act in 2016, which also legalized online sports betting in the country.
Regarding taxation, gaming operators with a return-to-player (RTP) rate of 83% of stakes are subject to a 15% tax rate. Those with an RTP rate exceeding 83%, on the other hand, face a slightly higher tax contribution, amounting to 17% of GGR. This tiered tax structure is indicative of the government’s attempts to balance industry growth with ensuring a fair share of the revenues aids public finances.
With the extended deadline now in place, Coljuegos continues to advocate for responsible gambling in Colombia, encouraging operators to prioritize the welfare of players and uphold the integrity of the gaming sector. The additional time is both a reprieve and a reminder for the industry stakeholders to align their operations with ethical and responsible gaming standards, a move that traces the horizon of a more accountable and secure gambling landscape in Colombia.
