In an unprecedented move, Coljuegos, under the leadership of Marco Emilio Hincapié, has taken on a prominent role in supporting the popular consultation proposed by President Gustavo Petro. This marks a notable political incursion by Colombia’s gambling regulatory authority, traditionally focused on sector oversight and technical compliance.
During the Second Progressive Gathering of Colombia, held in Ibagué and organized by the Colombian Center for Progressive Studies and Ideas Foundation, Hincapié shared the stage with Gustavo Bolívar, director of the Department for Social Prosperity, and his son Marco Emilio Hincapié Jr., former Government Secretary of Ibagué. All emphasized the need to promote direct citizen participation in the social reform agenda led by the government.
The current president of Coljuegos could be investigated for illegal campaign financing.
Bolívar acknowledged the electoral limits faced by the left:
“We know the ceiling we have. The left doesn’t currently have the strength to reach 14 million votes. We need to invite everyone, regardless of their political party.”
This level of involvement by a technical entity like Coljuegos — typically associated with fiscal control, licensing, and revenue management — raises eyebrows. Its sudden embrace of public mobilization adds a never-before-seen political dimension to an institution historically removed from partisan activity.
Some view the move as bold, others as controversial. What’s clear is that Coljuegos is no longer just playing the regulatory game — it’s making moves on the national political board.
