Coljuegos and the gambling industry. The gambling industry has been a sector that needs to seek a joint improvement with its regulator, government agencies and its entrepreneurs; With the aim of creating better opportunities for them.
However, it is clear to the different players in the sector that since the arrival of Juan B. Pérez Hidalgo Coljuegos EICE (Industry Regulator) has generated moments for entrepreneurs and Coljuegos to have friendly approaches to seek the good of it Industry with clear and objective solutions.(Read so.Coljuegos will provide payment facilities to operators )
What problems does the sector currently have?
It is clear that all operators and / or entrepreneurs in this industry are identified or discriminated against by financial institutions, which also causes a delay in the evolution of those, since both banking entities and insurance companies are unaware that it is an industry of legal activities Recognized since the country's constitution. In addition, it is not recognized that this sector contributes significant amounts to the resources that are directed to the health of Colombians and even to the functioning of the State itself.
Along with these discriminations, two more situations must be added to the problems that the gambling sector possesses; The first is related to the illegal operation in the country, since it is estimated that there are about 70,000 MET's located in different areas of the country in an illicit manner. Therefore, the concern increases to know that this amount reflects almost the same amount of Electronic Slot Machines that operates legally, which generates to the country around a billion Colombian pesos (COP) that are not collected by Coljuegos, who is responsible for this.
Despite the fact that in October of 2016 the seizure of 3047 METs was made, it is not enough for Coljuegos to complete with this rate of attack against illegality in the country. (Read so Coljuegos seeks a transparent sector with a sense of social responsibility )
How does the tax reform affect the industry?
The second of the issues that generate concern in the industry is the creation of taxes in the latest tax reforms, "in less than 7 years have been made at least six increases and impositions of new tax obligations, which adds to the fact that since 2004 VAT was levied on gambling, "said Elizabeth Maya, co-founder of the National Consortium of Luck and Azar Games Dealers (CONNAZAR SAS).
The reform has a potentially negative impact since any increase in VAT, because it is the only economic activity of the country in which the tax is assumed by the entrepreneur and not by the consumer who in this case is the player.
Here Maya indicates that, without studies or analysis, the new tariff was prepared to pay, but without the VAT that was already at 16%. "Neither the Government nor the businessmen have found the way to transfer this tribute to who truly must assume, who is the final consumer. The sector has been resisting until now, but there are already many companies that are closing down and casinos that disappear, before which many businessmen have stated that a northeaster increase, "said Maya.
