Coljuegos Moves to Limit Online Gambling Bonuses in Colombia

Colombia’s gambling regulator, Coljuegos, is seeking to curb excessive bonus promotions after noticing a decline in state revenue contributions tied to online gambling. A newly published draft resolution outlines strict limits on how much operators can offer in bonuses each month.

Good to Know

• The proposal responds to lower healthcare funding linked to reduced operator payments.
• Bonus spending reportedly rose from 0.3% to 3.4% of total wagers after a new tax.
• Public consultation on the draft runs until November 4, 2025.

The draft follows the government’s decision earlier this year to apply a value-added tax (VAT) on gambling deposits through Decree 175. Coljuegos said many operators reacted by expanding player bonuses to offset the impact of the tax, which significantly reduced the taxable base used to calculate exploitation rights—the fees operators owe the state.

Proposed Bonus Caps

Under the new plan, bonus limits would vary depending on whether the VAT remains in place. When the tax applies, operators could not issue monthly bonus credits exceeding 1.6% of their total gross revenue.

If the tax is repealed, bonuses would be capped at the average value of exploitation rights paid monthly over the previous twelve months, including fixed fees.

For new license holders without a full year of operations, bonuses during the first year would be limited to one-twelfth of their annual fixed exploitation rights, with standard limits applying after that period.

Coljuegos emphasized that these rules would apply to all licensed operators with active online gambling concessions in Colombia. Any violations would be treated as a breach of contract, potentially resulting in fines or even contract termination.

Industry associations, concessionaires, and stakeholders have until November 4, 2025, to submit comments before the final regulation is enacted. The regulator said its goal is to maintain fairness in operator practices while protecting state revenue streams, particularly those directed toward the national healthcare system.

FAQ

Why is Coljuegos proposing bonus limits?

To prevent operators from using large bonuses to offset new tax costs, which has reduced state revenue for healthcare.

What happens if operators exceed the limits?

Non-compliance could lead to financial penalties or termination of operating contracts.

Who will the rules apply to?

All licensed online gambling operators under active concession contracts in Colombia.

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