Key points:
- 96 unauthorized gambling machines were seized in Quindío and Santander
- The confiscated equipment was estimated to divert COP 500m annually from the subsidized healthcare system
- Coljuegos has removed over 5,500 illegal devices since the beginning of the current administration
Coljuegos has carried out enforcement operations in the departments of Quindío and Santander.
A total of 96 illegal gambling devices, including slot machines and online betting terminals, were confiscated. According to the regulator, the confiscated equipment is estimated to have deprived Colombia’s subsidized healthcare system of nearly COP 500m ($121,000) annually.
Marco Emilio Hincapié, Coljuegos President, said: “We are making history in the fight against illegality. No previous administration had reached so many departments to target those who divert resources from the subsidized healthcare system for the most vulnerable Colombians.”
Coljuegos has seized approximately 5,580 illegal gambling devices under the current Government, including slot machines, bingo equipment, poker tables and online betting terminals, among others.
As part of ongoing enforcement actions against unauthorised gambling operations, in the district of Armenia, 19 unauthorised slot machines were removed. Authorities also dismantled an establishment offering internet-based games through unregulated platforms.
The same was done in La Tebaida, Quindío, Girón, among others, where a total of 1,242 illegal gambling devices have been confiscated, since they were operating without a Coljuegos concession contract.
These efforts are part of Coljuegos’ continued operations to address illegal betting. Last year, the regulator joined the Government of Chocó to fight against unlawful gambling activities.
