A firestorm has erupted in Colombia’s gaming sector after a COP 16 billion jackpot from the Medellín Lottery was awarded to the wife of the organization’s deputy manager, sparking immediate scrutiny and calls for regulatory oversight. In response, Coljuegos, the country’s gambling regulator, has launched a full-scale audit to investigate potential irregularities in the draw’s process.
The announcement follows mounting pressure from public watchdogs and political commentators questioning the integrity of the lottery system. The National Council of Games of Chance (CNJSA) formally requested the review, citing public interest and the need to restore confidence in the operation of state-run games.
Luisa Jaramillo, the winner of the jackpot, is married to a senior official within the Medellín Lottery. Although he has since resigned, the circumstances of the win have left a cloud over the legitimacy of the result. As part of the audit, investigators will review draw protocols, ticket issuance, internal security processes, and even software validation systems used during the lottery operation.
The timing of the investigation has also raised eyebrows. Just days earlier, President Gustavo Petro visited Medellín, leading some observers to question whether the audit may have political undertones.
Still, Coljuegos insists the audit is purely administrative and focused on accountability and transparency. Industry stakeholders, however, warn that the fallout could affect public trust in all licensed games unless the matter is handled swiftly and publicly.
