Is Online Gambling Legal in Colombia? 2026 Guide
The 2016 eGaming Act: First in Latin America
Colombia's gambling foundation is Law 643 of 2001 (the Gambling Act), which made games of chance a state-regulated activity. The key online milestone came in October 2016, when Colombia became the first jurisdiction in Latin America to formally approve online gambling through the eGaming Act.
The first license went to Wplay.co in June 2017. Early licensed operators also included Betplay, Colbet, Zamba, and Codere. Since then the market has grown to a stable, well-understood licensing system that other Latin American countries have studied as a model.
Coljuegos: The Regulator
Coljuegos is Colombia's national gambling regulator. Its jobs include:
- Licensing: issuing concession contracts to operators, typically valid for 5 years with renewal possible.
- Supervision: making sure operators meet technical, financial, and responsible-gambling requirements.
- Tax collection: gaming taxes (exploitation rights) fund Colombia's public health services.
- Enforcement: ordering ISPs and payment providers to block unlicensed gambling sites. Coljuegos has blocked hundreds of offshore domains.
Licensed operators pay around 15% of gross gaming revenue in gaming tax, plus the deposit-based taxes described below.
How to Check the Official License List
This is the single most important skill for a Colombian player. Coljuegos publishes the official list of licensed online operators on its website (coljuegos.gov.co). Before depositing anywhere:
- Open the Coljuegos website and find the list of authorized online operators.
- Check that the exact domain you are about to use appears on the list.
- If a casino claims a Coljuegos license but is not on the list, treat it as unlicensed.
Our safety checklist walks through this verification step by step, plus red flags to watch for.
The Deposit Tax Changes: 2025-2026
Colombia's gambling tax rules have moved fast in the last two years:
- February 2025: Decree 175 introduced a 19% VAT on all player deposits to online gambling platforms - cash, bank transfer, and crypto. The taxable base was the deposit divided by 1.19, so a 100,000 COP deposit left about 84,000 COP for play.
- January 2026: after industry pushback, the government approved a new formula: 19% VAT calculated on gross gaming revenue (total bets minus prizes paid) instead of on deposits.
- March 2026: emergency Decrees 0240 and 0241 introduced a separate 16% national consumption tax on deposits to online gambling platforms, collected by licensed operators at the moment of deposit, whether the money comes from inside Colombia or abroad.
What this means for you: the tax is collected by the operator at deposit time, not filed by the player. But it reduces how much of your deposit actually reaches your casino balance. The rules are still shifting, so check the current regime before you play.
Taxes on Player Winnings
Different sources report different rules on winnings taxation in Colombia, and the deposit-tax changes above have shifted the landscape. We are not tax advisors. If you win significant amounts, speak to a Colombian tax professional rather than relying on a casino affiliate site.
What About Offshore (Unlicensed) Casinos?
Coljuegos actively works against unlicensed gambling: it orders blocks of illegal sites and coordinates with payment providers. Playing at an unlicensed offshore casino means:
- No Colombian regulator to complain to if the casino refuses to pay. See our complaints guide.
- No guarantee of responsible-gambling tools.
- Your deposits may be blocked by Colombian payment providers.
The safest choice is a Coljuegos-licensed operator from the official list.
Related Colombia Guides
- Legal guide: Coljuegos, the 2016 Act, taxes
- Best casinos for Colombia with PSE
- Payment methods: PSE, Nequi, Efecty, cards, crypto
- How to check a Coljuegos license
- Bonuses: wagering explained
- Mobile casinos for Colombia
- PSE payment method guide
- Our top 10 crypto casinos
- File a complaint about a casino
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Colombia?
Yes. Colombia was the first country in Latin America to regulate online gambling, with the eGaming Act of October 2016. Operators need a concession contract (license) from Coljuegos. Playing at a Coljuegos-licensed operator is fully legal.
Who is Coljuegos?
Coljuegos is Colombia's national gambling regulator. It issues licenses, supervises operators, collects gaming taxes that fund public health services, and actively blocks unlicensed gambling sites.
How do I check if a casino is licensed in Colombia?
Coljuegos publishes an official list of licensed operators on its website (coljuegos.gov.co). Only play at operators that appear on that list. If a site claims a Coljuegos license but is not on the official list, do not trust it.
What is the 2026 tax on online gambling deposits?
In March 2026 Colombia introduced a 16% consumption tax on deposits to online gambling platforms, collected by licensed operators at the moment of deposit. This followed a 19% VAT on deposits introduced in February 2025 that was later recalculated on gross gaming revenue. The tax rules change frequently - check the current situation before you play.
Do Colombian players pay tax on winnings?
Tax treatment of player winnings in Colombia has changed over time and different sources report different rules. We are not tax advisors: if you win significant amounts, speak to a Colombian tax professional before assuming anything.
Is it legal to play at offshore casinos from Colombia?
Colombia actively blocks unlicensed gambling sites, and Coljuegos has blocked hundreds of offshore domains. Playing at unlicensed sites means no Colombian regulator to complain to if something goes wrong. The safest choice is a Coljuegos-licensed operator.