Coljuegos has rolled out a set of temporary relief measures for land-based operators and concessionaires impacted by the 6.1 magnitude earthquake on August 10. This initiative aims to facilitate the recovery of affected sales outlets, gaming terminals, and promotional activities while maintaining existing tax and fee obligations.
According to Resolution No. 20260019544, published recently, these relief measures apply specifically to land-based operators and establishments and are especially relevant for points of sale and equipment that have experienced substantial physical damage due to the earthquake. However, Coljuegos has stipulated that a mere decrease in revenue does not qualify for relief; eligibility will require rigorous verification and ongoing oversight by the regulator.
To support these operators, Coljuegos will allow requests for the express or automatic transfer of gaming equipment from damaged locations to authorized sites. Furthermore, establishments that sustained significant damage can be temporarily classified as "zero premises" without losing their operational authorization. This approach aims to ensure continuity for local gaming activities.
Additionally, operators will have a four-month window—which is extendable once—to replace or restore the necessary gaming equipment. Coljuegos also plans to expedite approvals for new sites when original locations are deemed unusable.
Land-based gambling remains a vital component of Colombia's economy. In the previous year, casinos and bingo operators contributed COP378.3 billion (approximately $104.8 million) to the national healthcare system.
Special provisions have also been established for national lotteries and number games. For instance, Baloto operators may exclude verified points and terminal unavailability from specific contractual performance metrics. They are permitted to reschedule visits, tests, replacements, and deadlines in affected areas, with post-event consolidated reporting potentially allowed.
For Super Astro, licensees can have documented terminal outages accepted for the affected timeframe and can submit regularized data afterward. KENO operators will benefit from adjusted timelines for deployment, testing, and acceptance, along with temporary exclusions for affected points.
While online gaming operators are generally required to follow existing transmission, reporting, declaration, settlement, and payment schedules due to centrally managed systems, Coljuegos will consider case-by-case relief if operators demonstrate a direct and significant inability to comply due to earthquake-related disruptions. The regulator will prioritize changes to draw dates, locations, marketing periods, and operational processes for raffles and promotional activities to sustain consumer rights and business continuity.
Importantly, these relief measures do not imply waivers of existing fees or taxes. Recently, the outgoing Colombian president presented a tax reform bill to Congress that includes a permanent 19% VAT for online gambling operators. This VAT was initially introduced on an emergency basis in February 2025, following the government’s claim of needing additional funds to address civil disturbances in the Catatumbo region. Previous attempts to make the tax permanent in December were rejected, but the government is pressing for it again in the latest budget proposal.
