Colombia: On-site and online gaming operators urged to implement responsible gaming programs

Coljuegos, Colombia's gambling regulator, established guidelines on responsible gambling so that land-based and online operators at a national level implement programs to prevent problem gambling and "provide support to those who face problems related to the loss of control when gambling."

Said guidelines were established in Resolution 22,654 of 2024 and within the framework of the campaign called "Take control, play safely", which seeks to inform citizens about the risks of problem gambling.

According to the resolution, operators "shall continuously monitor and update the strategies adopted to ensure their effectiveness and implementation." In addition, such strategies must contain specific objectives, activity schedules, and relevant information related to the actions to be developed.

Likewise, it is established that, depending on the gambling modality, gamblers may voluntarily access tools such as the risk factors identification test, which allows recognition patterns that may require the adoption of preventive measures against compulsive gambling.

Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos, said: "These guidelines make the control of responsible gambling more rigorous. We are asking operators to implement campaigns to inform gamblers about the risks associated with compulsive gambling."

Marco Emilio Hincapié

"Regarding the new games offered online, among which are included Baloto, SuperAstro, and those operated via the Internet, we are asking the operators to make available the self-exclusion process, so that the users can be blocked voluntarily when they present risky behaviors," he explained.

Meanwhile, Coljuegos indicated that "operators must submit an annual report detailing the actions taken, the compliance indicators, and the results obtained." After this, they will carry out audits, and supervisory visits and may require additional information to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs.

New campaign

The Colombian regulator also announced the launching of the campaign "Take control, play safely", as part of the strategies to promote responsible gaming which includes a website where players can access the aforementioned test to identify risk factors.

In the website, which can be accessed through the following link, users "will be able to find a directory of IPS that offer counseling and mental health care," to facilitate contact and allow players to voluntarily access these types of services when they deem it necessary.

"We are committed to protecting players and ensuring that the industry meets strict standards of responsibility. These new provisions represent a significant step forward towards the consolidation of a safer and more transparent sector in Colombia,” Hincapié concluded.