Colombian Regulator Proposes New Safer Gambling Guidelines

Coljuegos, Colombia’s leading gaming regulator, has issued Resolution 22654 of 2024, marking a significant step toward promoting responsible gaming nationwide. The proposed legislation aims to enhance player protections further by requiring operators to adopt stricter measures to prevent risky behavior, educate gamblers, and support individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

Operators Must Demonstrate Enhanced Accountability

Under the new rules, operators must constantly monitor and analyze their responsible gaming strategies to ensure effectiveness. These strategies include tools that allow players to identify risk factors associated with compulsive gambling and recognize problematic gambling patterns that require intervention. Operators must also allow players to opt for self-exclusion, especially for online platforms.

The planned changes will require gambling companies to submit detailed annual reports summarizing the actions taken, compliance indicators, and outcomes. Coljuegos will oversee the enforcement of these regulations through regular audits. Coljuegos president Marco Emilio Hincapié was optimistic that these new, rigorous, responsible gaming controls would have a measurable impact.

We are asking operators to implement campaigns that inform gamblers about the risks associated with compulsive gambling.

Marco Emilio Hincapié, Coljuegos president 

Hincapié also discussed Colombia’s existing self-exclusion program. The new legislation will require operators to extend these self-imposed limits to online games, covering all digital offerings by licensed gambling providers. This measure would ensure vulnerable users cannot easily circumvent such restrictions and re-engage in harmful gambling behaviors.

Colombia Seeks to Usher In a Sustainable Industry

This newest measure aligns with Coljuegos’ ongoing commitment to consumer safety. Last year, the regulator focused its attention on gambling-related marketing, seeking to regulate advertisements in the sector. The regulator sought to position itself as the official authority in regulating gambling ads and ensuring compliance with fair marketing practices.

Coljuegos also remains vigilant against black market entities. In July, the authority announced it had blocked 8,676 websites offering illegal gambling or promoting such content. Coljuegos urged players to only engage with regulated operators, highlighting that black market entities had nonexistent player protections and had a significantly higher risk of causing gambling harm.

The newly proposed regulations reflect global trends toward enhanced, player-focused gaming measures. By tightening controls, Coljuegos seeks to foster a healthier gaming environment while holding operators responsible for their practices. With these steps, Colombia seeks to emulate other successful jurisdictions and successfully balance industry growth with robust consumer protections.