Colombia casinos are legal and regulated. Land-based casinos and slot halls, sports betting, lotteries and online casinos all need authorization from Coljuegos, the national gambling regulator, and in 2016 Colombia became the first country in Latin America to set up a full licensing system for online casinos and sports betting. This guide covers the law, the tax changes of 2025 and 2026, and what to expect if you gamble there.
| Colombia at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal with a Coljuegos licence or concession |
| Regulator | Coljuegos |
| Land-based gambling | Casinos, slot halls, bingo, lotteries and betting shops |
| Online gambling | Legal on Coljuegos-licensed sites since 2016 |
| Online tax | 16% national consumption tax on online gross gaming revenue (Decree 0240, March 2026) |
| Last checked | November 2026 |
Is Gambling Legal in Colombia?
Yes. Games of chance are a state-controlled activity in Colombia, and private companies can run them only under a licence or concession contract. The main points:
- Regulator: Coljuegos, created in 2011, oversees casinos, slot halls, online gambling and other games of chance at the national level.
- Land-based gambling: Law 643 of 2001 sets the rules for casinos, slot machines, bingo, raffles and lotteries. Running games of chance without authorization is prohibited.
- Online gambling: Online casinos and betting sites need a Coljuegos concession, usually granted for five years. Licensed operators must use a .co domain, keep player funds in Colombia and run identity and anti-money laundering checks.
- Unlicensed sites: Offering online gambling without a Coljuegos licence is illegal. Coljuegos reported in July 2026 that it had issued 46,228 orders to block unauthorized betting websites since 2022.
Online Gambling Taxes in 2025 and 2026
Colombia’s online market has been through two tax changes in a short time. In February 2025, the government applied a 19% VAT to deposits on online gambling sites, a temporary measure tied to emergency spending. Congress declined to make it permanent and the levy ran to the end of 2025.
On March 12, 2026, the government signed Decree 0240, which introduced a 16% national consumption tax on online gambling. It is charged on gross gaming revenue (bets received minus prizes paid) for each two-month period, and licensed operators collect and declare it to DIAN, the national tax authority. Players do not file it themselves.
Lawmakers are also looking at player protection. A bill filed in Congress in 2026 would set uniform rules for betting platforms, tighten controls on access by minors and add measures on excessive gambling.
Casinos in Colombia
Most of Colombia’s land-based gambling takes place in slot-focused casinos and gaming halls rather than large resort casinos. Larger venues add tables for roulette, blackjack, poker and baccarat, and you will find casinos in all the main cities, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Barranquilla.
Opening hours, table games and minimum bets vary from venue to venue, so check with the casino before you go. If you mostly play slots, our game guides explain how popular titles from makers such as IGT work.
Online Casinos and Sports Betting
Online gambling in Colombia is dominated by sports betting, which accounts for more than 60% of the legal online market. Licensed sites also offer online slots, table games and live dealer games. Industry figures for 2025 put the number of active users on legal platforms above six million.
If you are in Colombia, stick to sites licensed by Coljuegos; they show their licence and use a .co address. Sites without a licence are blocked and offer no local protection if something goes wrong. US readers looking for information on offshore sites can read our online casino reviews.
Gambling Elsewhere in South America
Planning a wider trip? See our guides to casinos in neighbouring Peru and in Chile.
Colombia Casinos FAQ
Is gambling legal in Colombia?
Yes. Casinos, slot halls, lotteries, sports betting and online gambling are legal when run under authorization from Coljuegos.
Who regulates gambling in Colombia?
Coljuegos, the national gambling regulator, licenses operators and leads the fight against illegal gambling. Online gambling taxes are collected through DIAN.
Can I play at online casinos in Colombia?
Yes, at sites licensed by Coljuegos. They operate on .co domains, and unlicensed sites are blocked.
How are online gambling winnings taxed?
The 16% consumption tax introduced in March 2026 is charged to operators on their gross gaming revenue. Players pay tax on their winnings separately: betting prizes count as occasional gains, taxed at 20% in 2026. The operator withholds it when a single prize is above 48 UVT (about 2.5 million pesos), and smaller wins still have to be reported on the annual tax return.
Gamble responsibly. If you are in the US and gambling is causing problems, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.