Key Moments:
- Coljuegos signed its 41st “Pacto por la Legalidad” in Cali on October 15, collaborating with Valle del Cauca Governor’s Office and the Valle Lottery.
- Authorities reported seizing 2,672 illegal gambling devices since the beginning of 2025, adding to nearly 11,000 machines destroyed since 2024.
- Authorized gambling activities generated approximately COP 426.5 billion for Colombia’s healthcare system between January and August 2025.
Collaborative Efforts Intensify Against Illegal Gambling
Colombia’s regulatory body Coljuegos has strengthened its commitment to combating unauthorized gambling through a new partnership established in Cali on October 15. Teaming up with the Valle del Cauca Governor’s Office and the Valle Lottery, this initiative marks the 41st “Pacto por la Legalidad,” underscoring Coljuegos’ dedication to upholding the law and safeguarding critical healthcare funding.
This agreement focuses on increasing cooperation among local and national authorities, aiming to disrupt the criminal organizations behind unlicensed operations such as underground casinos, unauthorized raffles, and “white chance” games. These illicit activities divert revenue that would otherwise bolster Colombia’s subsidized health sector.
Progress in Enforcement and Social Contributions
In response to illegal gambling operations, Coljuegos has ramped up enforcement efforts nationwide. Since the start of 2025, officials have confiscated 2,672 unlawful gaming devices, in addition to nearly 11,000 machines destroyed since 2024. These enforcement actions not only undermine illegal networks but also channel more tax dollars into the country’s health system.
Legal gambling continues to have a meaningful impact. From January to August 2025, authorized local games, lotteries, and scratch cards generated around COP 426.5 billion (approximately $110 million) toward healthcare funding, showcasing the sector’s importance for public welfare.
Advancing Transparency and Regional Involvement
Valle del Cauca authorities are highlighting that keeping gambling within legal parameters brings widespread community benefits. Current data indicates that lawful gambling has already contributed nearly COP 48 billion to regional healthcare in 2025, with a consistent upward trend observed over the years.
The recent pact involves significant institutional support, including Coljuegos, regional government representatives, the National Police, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Valle Departmental Assembly. This coordinated approach aims to enhance enforcement, increase public awareness, and strengthen ties with local communities.
This initiative also forms part of a broader nationwide strategy by Coljuegos to boost regional oversight. Similar collaborations with departments such as Chocó, Tolima, and Huila have expanded regulatory reach. Furthermore, recent raids in Montería and Tuluá resulted in the seizure of hundreds of unauthorized gambling machines.
Comprehensive Partnerships Drive Cultural Change
As Colombia builds an interconnected network of public and private alliances, the nation is making headway in ensuring gambling remains both regulated and beneficial for society. The most recent partnership in Valle del Cauca demonstrates that collaborative action not only strengthens regulation but also preserves essential resources and helps cultivate a culture of transparency on a national scale.
| Period | Legal Gambling Revenue (COP) | Illegal Devices Seized |
|---|---|---|
| January – August 2025 (Colombia) | 426.5 billion | 2,672 |
| 2025 (Valle del Cauca) | 48 billion | – |
| Since 2024 (National) | – | ~11,000 destroyed |
- Author
Daniel Williams
