The gaming industry in Colombia has made a significant financial contribution to the country’s health system in 2024. Coljuegos, the national regulator for games of chance, reported that casinos, bingos, and slot machines transferred an impressive COP 348,736 million (approximately $79.18 million) to support healthcare services.
Localized Gaming: A Pillar of the Industry
Localized games—encompassing casinos, bingos, and slot machines—play a central role in Colombia’s gaming sector. With 3,546 authorized gaming establishments, the segment boasts 111,184 slot machines and 17,345 bingo chairs. Coljuegos has highlighted that these localized games account for 36% of the gaming industry’s total revenue in 2024.
Interestingly, the number of gaming establishments in major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga reflects the economic and demographic prominence of these areas. High population densities and well-developed formal markets have contributed to their dominance in the sector.
Growth Amidst Challenges
Between January and November 2024, localized games saw a 1.5% revenue increase compared to the same period last year. This growth stems from several factors, including a rise in authorized slot machines, bingo tables, and casinos.
The President of Coljuegos, Marco Emilio Hincapié, underscored the sector’s importance:
“The growth of localized games shows the importance of this sector for the economy and the health of Colombians,” he said.
The regulator also attributed the financial uptick to institutional modernization. Initiatives like the pre-registration system have cut response times for gaming procedures by 38%, enabling the authorization of more gaming elements and boosting revenues.
Economic and Social Impact
The contributions of localized games extend beyond monetary transfers to the health system. According to Coljuegos, the sector supports thousands of formal jobs across Colombia, offering stable employment in an industry that is vital to the nation’s economy.
Additionally, control operations by Coljuegos have strengthened the integrity of the gaming market. In 2024 alone, the regulator confiscated and destroyed 12,697 illegal gaming elements, reinforcing the importance of a transparent and regulated gaming environment.
A Trillion-Dollar Sector
In total, Colombia’s gaming sector transferred more than COP 1 trillion to the health system in 2024, marking a substantial commitment to public welfare. These contributions are not just financial—they reflect the sector’s broader role in economic and social development.
Coljuegos remains steadfast in its commitment to regulation and innovation. In a statement, the regulator emphasized its goal of fostering a safe and responsible gaming environment, noting, “We will continue working hand in hand with operators and local authorities to ensure transparency and trustworthiness in the sector.
Leave a Reply