Key Moments:
- Legal gaming industry in Colombia transferred COP 926 billion (USD 232 million) to public health by July 2025
- Revenue from national games reached COP 566.5 billion (USD 145.8 million), reflecting a 26.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024
- Sector faces challenges from new tax measures and heightened illegal activity, raising concerns over sustainability
Strong Financial Performance and Contributions to Health
The legal gaming market in Colombia has demonstrated its impact on both the country’s economy and public health initiatives. Data from Corporación Nacional de Empresarios de Juegos de Suerte y Azar revealed that by the end of July 2025, the sector had delivered COP 926 billion (approximately USD 232 million) to Colombia’s public health system.
From January through June 2025, COP 883.9 billion (USD 219.6 million) was directed to health funding, according to figures published by Coljuegos, the regulatory agency for games of chance. A significant portion of this, COP 566.5 billion (USD 145.8 million), resulted from national games such as casinos, bingo venues, and online betting services. This total marks a 26.9% upswing compared to the equivalent period in 2024.
| Period | Amount (COP) | Amount (USD) | Source/Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| End of July 2025 | 926 billion | 232 million | Total transferred to public health |
| Jan – Jun 2025 | 883.9 billion | 219.6 million | Transferred during first half of 2025 |
| Jan – Jun 2025 | 566.5 billion | 145.8 million | National games (casinos, bingo, online) |
Industry’s Role in Social and Economic Growth
Cornazar has emphasized that these results underpin the industry as a contributor not just to entertainment, but also to national progress, formal employment, and social investment. “The legal gaming industry represents not only entertainment but progress, formality, and social contribution. Every peso transferred means better health for Colombians“, said Elizabeth Maya Cano, executive president of Cornazar.
Additionally, the organization’s leadership attributes this positive outcome to a “robust regulatory framework and responsible operators“: “Behind these results are regulated concessionaires, gaming hall operators, digital platforms, suppliers, and partners who comply with strict control standards. Together, they maintain thousands of direct jobs and reinforce institutional trust.”
Emerging Threats: Tax Instability and Illegality
Despite strong contributions, Cornazar has cautioned that tax volatility and the proliferation of unauthorized gambling operations are jeopardizing the sector’s viability and its crucial health contributions. These factors present risks to jobs and public funding for the health system.
“The industry currently faces uncertainty due to constant tax changes, alongside growing competition from illegal operators“, said Maya Cano. “Cornazar insists on the need for coordinated action between the government, regulatory entities, and entrepreneurs. Illegality jeopardizes lives, jobs, and the public funds that should go toward health services.”
Impact of New Regulatory Frameworks
The Colombian government has introduced significant changes to industry regulations in 2025. At the beginning of this year, a 19% VAT was imposed on the sector as a temporary response to the crisis in the Catatumbo region. The ongoing debate about the new Financing Law may establish this tax as a permanent fixture, a move that has met with industry resistance.
According to Cornazar, these fiscal pressures could be counterproductive: “A permanent tax increase will likely result in greater illegal activity, reduced revenues for the health system, job losses, and disruptions to the financial model of licensed operators“, warned Maya Cano.
Commitment to Responsible and Sustainable Development
Cornazar continues to advocate for a balanced approach that ensures both the sustainability of the industry and its role in supporting public interest. The group has restated its support for policies that emphasize legality, transparency, and close cooperation with regulators to secure a stable, regulated, and responsible gaming environment in Colombia.
By nurturing collaboration among stakeholders, Cornazar pursues the goal of reinforcing the formal legal gaming industry, which channels revenue to social initiatives, safeguards consumers, and plays a critical part in Colombia’s national development. Given the essential link between gaming revenues and public health funding, maintaining a legal and reliable operating environment remains a central priority. As emphasized by Cornazar’s leadership, the sector’s future rests on effective regulation, ethical conduct, and collective dedication to Colombia’s social welfare.
- Author
Daniel Williams
