In these years the associations have played a very important role for the gambling sector, being actors of support in the professionalization, modernization and reactivation of the sector, especially in these last times where the operators have lived through such a difficult situation.
Coljuegos has the opportunity to help the sector and achieve an economic stabilization.
It is difficult to estimate when normal sales levels will be reached, but according to Evert Montero, president of Fecoljuegos: "We are on the rise, which was not only affected by the health crisis but also by the public order issues that have recently occurred in the country; we can say that we are in a reactivation of approximately 60 to 70%".
However, it is to be expected that by the end of the year 2022 the sector will reach a complete stabilization, with some conditionalities such as the accumulated debts due to sustain the payroll of the different casinos, and recent investments in machines. All these fixed costs did not disappear with the pandemic and had to be maintained, as is well known.
On the other hand, Elizabeth Maya assures: "In 2021 we have seen a different proposal, in spite of being a year with some restrictions, we have worked hand in hand with the mayor's office, the governor's office and some secretaries, trying to keep the benefit of the opening and also with the commitment of the businessmen that should not be forgotten, to comply with all the biosecurity protocols".
In terms of legality there are still many challenges, one of the most emphasized has been the approval of new gambling modes in order to create a competent sector in comparison to the illegal offer, who have a great variety.
The technological issue and inter-institutional agreements must be strengthened to allow Coljuegos to carry out an in-depth control of all these illegal platforms operating in the country. There are still many scourges in this aspect and today more companies continue to be born in this branch that can contribute value to Coljuegos.
Legal actions must also be taken against illegal operators that are in the country, "they are well known and in many cases are multinationals that operate without generating any tax benefit to Colombia" assures Evert Montero, president of Fecoljuegos.
Coljuegos must understand that, with suitable conditions not only for users but also to generate resources for the health of Colombians, the sector can become a reference for the economy as we have seen what has happened in Las Vegas where operators have successfully boosted the economy by generating employment.
