Colombia is accelerating the consolidation of a comprehensive responsible gambling framework. On April 27, 2026, the Consejo Nacional de Juegos de Suerte y Azar published for public consultation the 2026 Draft Agreement, introducing mandatory responsible gambling guidelines for territorial games; lotteries, chance betting and scratch cards, when operated online, aligning the segment with standards already defined by Coljuegos under Resolution 20244000022654 of 2024.
Colombia is moving toward a unified responsible gambling policy across all segments of the industry, extending obligations from national-level online operators to territorial concessionaires. The initiative, led by CNJSA President Diana Arenas Pedraza and Technical Secretary Roberto Conde Romero, remains open for comments until May 13, 2026, after which operators will have six months to fully implement the requirements.
The legal context is based in Law 643 of 2001, which establishes the state gambling monopoly and its social purpose, complemented by Decree Law 4144 of 2011, the Mental Health Law 1616 of 2013, and data protection and transparency regulations. The draft mandates operators to deploy formal responsible gambling programs, including annual action plans, performance indicators, staff training and semiannual reporting to regulators.
Marco Emilio Hincapie
Operationally, the reform introduces a risk assessment test developed by Coljuegos, voluntary self-exclusion systems with a minimum period of 30 days, player identification mechanisms and stricter controls on digital platforms. It also reinforces advertising restrictions and minor protection rules, while requiring integration with anti-money laundering and corporate ethics frameworks.
The focus is preventive and structural, with an emphasis on; educating and protecting players while strengthening sector sustainability. For operators, it means higher compliance standards and transparency; for the state, stronger alignment between legal gambling and public health funding. The reform positions Colombia among the most advanced responsible gambling frameworks in Latin America.
