Coljuegos, Valle del Cauca Unite to Fight Illegal Gambling
Colombia’s gambling regulator, Coljuegos, has strengthened its fight against unlicensed gambling through a new cooperation agreement signed in Cali on October 15. The deal, reached with the Valle del Cauca Governor’s Office and the Valle Lottery, marks the 41st “Pacto por la Legalidad” initiated by the regulator, reflecting its ongoing commitment to enforcing legal gaming and safeguarding public health funds.
Collaboration to Combat Unauthorized Gambling
The pact focuses on increasing coordination between national and local authorities to dismantle criminal operations involved in underground casinos, illegal raffles and so-called “white chance” games schemes that divert revenue away from Colombia’s subsidized healthcare system.
Coljuegos has intensified enforcement throughout 2025. Since January, officials have confiscated 2,672 illegal gaming devices, adding to nearly 11,000 machines seized since 2024. These actions weaken criminal networks while ensuring more funds flow to healthcare, which relies heavily on gaming tax contributions.
Legal gambling continues to play a vital role in funding public services. Between January and August 2025, authorized lotteries, scratch cards, and other regulated games generated roughly COP 426.5 billion (approximately $110 million) for Colombia’s healthcare system.
Regional Impact and Transparency
Authorities in Valle del Cauca emphasize that promoting legal gaming benefits both the community and public services. Official figures show that regulated gaming has contributed close to COP 48 billion to regional healthcare this year, with revenues steadily increasing annually.
The agreement unites Coljuegos, local government officials, and key institutions including the National Police, Attorney General’s Office, and Valle Departmental Assembly. Their collaboration ensures a coordinated strategy encompassing enforcement, public awareness and community engagement.
This initiative is part of Coljuegos’ broader strategy to expand regulatory oversight across Colombia. Previous pacts in regions such as Chocó, Tolima, and Huila have strengthened compliance, while recent raids in Montería and Tuluá resulted in the confiscation of hundreds of unauthorized machines.
Through this growing network of alliances, Colombia is working to keep gambling a legal and responsible form of entertainment, while also ensuring it remains a sustainable contributor to social welfare. The latest Valle del Cauca partnership demonstrates that joint efforts between public institutions can produce significant benefits, protecting vital resources and promoting transparency nationwide.
