Coljuegos, Colombia’s gambling authority, has unveiled a draft resolution aimed at reshaping the guarantees required to operate online gambling in the “novel games” category, explicitly including Apuestas en Carreras y en Deportes Virtuales (ACDVs). The move is designed to give operators more flexibility while maintaining strict protection for players’ funds and ensuring timely payment of prizes.
The reform updates Resolution 20161200025334, first introduced in 2016 and modified in 2020, by expanding the financial mechanisms available to cover payouts and player balances. Under the proposal, operators must continue to maintain a deposit account in a Colombian financial institution supervised by the Superintendencia Financiera, exclusively dedicated to player funds. The balance in this account must always mirror the total of user credits, ensuring liquidity and transparency.
At the heart of the reform is the coverage for prize payments and refunds, which sets a minimum threshold of COP $615 million. During the first year of operation, this coverage must be updated every six months (8.1% of net income or the minimum amount, whichever is higher), and annually thereafter (4.1% of net income or the minimum amount).
Coljuegos introduces three alternative mechanisms operators may now choose from: a fiduciary trust with a AAA-rated entity, a bank guarantee from a regulated financial institution, or a compliance insurance policy that explicitly covers prize payments and refunds. This flexibility is expected to lower barriers for operators entering the ACDV market, while reinforcing player protection.
The project also revises contractual compliance guarantees, requiring coverage for fines, penalties, salaries, and benefits. Guarantees must remain valid throughout the contract period plus the liquidation stage, with periodic updates aligned to reported revenues.
For the Colombian regulator, the ultimate goal is twofold: stimulate growth in ACDVs as a new online betting vertical, and strengthen safeguards for consumers. The measure reflects Coljuegos’ commitment to both innovation and responsible oversight, ensuring that the revenues generated continue to flow into public health as mandated by law.
