Colombia's regulator introduces first public policy on responsible gaming in Latin America

On Friday (16), before the commemoration of World Responsible Gaming Day, Colombian gaming regulator Coljuegos announced the upcoming launching of a document that determines a public policy on Responsible Gaming, making Colombia the first Latin American country to present a statute of such characteristics. 

Through this public policy, Coljuegos seeks to protect players, strengthen the sector, and provide inputs for mental health care. The document will be prepared during the year, with the collaboration of the sector's guilds.

Guidelines with a public health approach will be included, through which emphasis will be placed on the prevention, education, and treatment of those who may present negative consequences for their physical and mental health due to gambling.

Marco Emilio Hincapié, president of Coljuegos, commented that the objective of the association is to promote a responsible gambling culture and to make players aware of the risks associated with problem gambling.

"From the entity, we have led different work tables with the operators to define the guidelines that allow us, on the one hand, to raise awareness about the possible negative effects of compulsive gambling, and on the other hand, to implement measures such as betting limits, warning messages, and self-exclusion tools", he added.

The event, in addition to the president of Coljuegos, was attended by Mariela Huenchumilla Fritz, founding member of the International Alliance for Responsible Gaming and Corporate Manager of Responsible Gaming of Sun Dreams Latam casinos, based in Chile.

Evert Montero Cárdenas, President of the Colombian Federation of Gaming Businessmen (Fecoljuegos); Juan Carlos Restrepo, President of the Colombian Association of Gaming Operators (Asojuegos); and Elizabeth Maya Cano, President of the National Corporation of Gaming Businessmen (Cornazar) also participated in the event.

"Fortunately, we have found full willingness on the part of the operators. The common purpose is to protect consumers, especially those who are more vulnerable, such as young people and people with gambling addiction problems", Hincapié concluded.