Nikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right licence scope and leads the file all the way to the Coljuegos concession contract, including banking and payment rails.
Get a gambling license in Colombia.
Colombia keeps gambling as a state monopoly and lets private operators in by contract. Coljuegos signs concessions of three to five years under Ley 643 de 2001, one per .co site, and charges 15% of gross revenue less prizes plus a fixed 811 monthly minimum wages a year. For 2026 an emergency decree adds a 16% consumption tax on bets less prizes. The register listed 14 operators on 1 October 2026.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated
Colombia in brief
Gambling is a state monopoly. Online play comes by contract.
Ley 643 de 2001 opens with the rule that decides everything else: art. 1 gives the State the exclusive right to exploit, organise, operate and regulate every game of chance, and art. 4 allows games only on the law's own terms. Private operators come in through art. 7, as concessionaires on contracts of no less than three and no more than five years. Online play is a juego novedoso under art. 38, as amended by art. 93 of Ley 1753 de 2015 - a game counts as operated by internet when both the bet and the prize payment happen only online. Coljuegos, the state company created by Decreto 4142 of 2011 and attached to the Ministry of Finance, administers the national games from Bogotá. The detailed rules sit in Acuerdo 8 de 2020, which absorbed Acuerdo 4 de 2016, and in Resolución 20161200025334 de 2016 on requirements and guarantees, last amended in 2025.
Each contract covers one .co site registered to the applicant. The exploitation rights are 15% of gross revenue less prizes paid, per game type, on condition of an 83% minimum return to player, plus 811 SMMLV - legal monthly minimum wages - for each year of operation and a 1% administration charge. Coljuegos also takes a performance bond of 15% of the contract value and prize cover of at least COP 615 million. Taxes have moved by decree two years running: 19% VAT on player deposits until 31 December 2025, then a 16% national consumption tax on bets less prizes for 2026. Online operators paid about COP 435,248 million in exploitation rights in 2024. Fourteen of them were on the register on 1 October 2026, and Coljuegos had issued about 26,600 blocking orders against unauthorised sites by May 2025.
A state monopoly under Ley 643 de 2001. Coljuegos signs 3-5 year concessions for internet games, one .co site each: 15% of gross revenue less prizes, 811 SMMLV a year, 1% administration, prize cover from COP 615 million.
16% consumption tax on GGR for 2026 by emergency decree, after 19% VAT on deposits in 2025. 14 operators on the register on 1 October 2026. Built from our Bogotá office.
The contract and its limits
The online concession - and the games it does not cover.
Coljuegos grants online play by contract, one .co site at a time. Land-based games, Baloto and the departmental lotteries run on separate concessions, and we map them before you plan a product.
The online concession - with the land-based and lottery boundary mapped.
01 - ONLINE CONCESSION CONTRACT
The internet-games concession
A Coljuegos contract for internet-operated games: sports betting, live casino and virtual slots on one .co site, for adult players resident in Colombia. Ley 643 art. 7 allows three to five years; the contracts on the register run five.
A Coljuegos contract for internet-operated games: sports betting, live casino and virtual slots on one .co site, for adult players resident in Colombia. Ley 643 art. 7 allows three to five years; the contracts on the register run five.
- ✓One contract per .co site
- ✓Term 3-5 years · 5 in practice
- ✓15% of GGR, 83% minimum RTP
- ✓811 SMMLV fixed, each year
- ✓1% administration charge
- ✓Prize cover from COP 615 million
02 - OUTSIDE THE ONLINE CONTRACT
Separate concessionsThe games it does not cover
Land-based casinos, bingo and slot halls are localized games under their own Coljuegos authorisations. Baloto runs on a single five-year concession. Departmental lotteries and chance belong to the regional governments, coordinated through the CNJSA. The online contract extends to none of them.
Casinos, bingo and slots are localized games under separate authorisations; Baloto and the departmental lotteries sit outside the online contract.
- ✓Localized games: casinos, bingo, slots
- ✓Own Coljuegos authorisation
- ✓Baloto: one 5-year concession
- ✓Lotteries and chance: departments
- ✓Coordinated through the CNJSA
- ✓Mapped before product planning
Costs and timelines are confirmed for your case before any work begins. Exploitation rights follow Acuerdo 8 de 2020; the peso value of the SMMLV-based amounts, the guarantees and lab certification are itemised in your quote.
Why Colombia
A printed price and a short list of rivals.
Colombia sells access by contract at a price written into its regulations, to a market the state polices hard.
✓
The price is in the regulation
Acuerdo 8 de 2020 prints the money in arts. 1.1.5-1.1.7: 15% of gross revenue less prizes, 811 SMMLV a year, 1% for administration, monthly returns.Acuerdo 8 de 2020, arts. 1.1.5-1.1.7.
✓
Foreign applicants admitted
Res. 25334/2016 art. 5 accepts national or foreign legal persons. Every concessionaire on today's register is a Colombian S.A. or S.A.S., and we plan the vehicle with that in mind.Admitted by Res. 25334/2016.
✓
Fourteen operators
The register of 1 October 2026 lists 14 operators on 14 .co sites. Coljuegos releases since February 2025 give counts of 14 to 16 operators or portals.Register of 1 October 2026.
✓
The state blocks the grey market
About 26,600 blocking orders by May 2025, now sent straight to internet providers under MinTIC Circular 017 de 2025, plus 35 proceedings against promoters of illegal games.About 26,600 orders by May 2025.
✓
Revenue on record
Online operators paid about COP 435,248 million in exploitation rights in 2024. Coljuegos expected more than COP 450,000 million for 2026.COP 435,248 million in 2024 rights.
✓
Taxes set by decree
VAT on deposits in 2025, a 16% consumption tax on GGR for 2026 - both by emergency decree. Model more than one tax scenario before you sign.Model more than one scenario.
How it compares
How Colombia differs from other routes.
Colombia is the open contract market of the region: shorter terms than a licence, a published price, and a tax line that has changed twice in two years.
Colombia vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  Colombia | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Legal form | Concession contract with Coljuegos | A licence or permit in the operator's name |
| Term | 3-5 years (Ley 643 art. 7) | Up to 15 years Mexico, 10 years Spain |
| State take | 15% of GGR + 811 SMMLV + 16% tax in 2026 | IEPS 50% in Mexico, GGR tax in Spain |
| Domain | One .co site per contract | .es in Spain (art. 10.4) |
Legal form
ColombiaConcession contract with Coljuegos
Other jurisdictionsA licence or permit in the operator's name
Term
Colombia3-5 years (Ley 643 art. 7)
Other jurisdictionsUp to 15 years Mexico, 10 years Spain
State take
Colombia15% of GGR + 811 SMMLV + 16% tax in 2026
Other jurisdictionsIEPS 50% in Mexico, GGR tax in Spain
Domain
ColombiaOne .co site per contract
Other jurisdictions.es in Spain (art. 10.4)
Country by country
| Country | License type | Taxation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | Coljuegos concession, 3-5 yrs | 15% GGR + 811 SMMLV · 16% tax 2026 | .co site, 15% bond, COP 615M cover |
 Mexico | SEGOB permit, establishment-linked | IEPS 50% of stakes less prizes | Mexican company, prize bond |
 Brazil | Fixed-odds banned by MP 1.394 | GGR-share rules revoked 25.9.2026 | Authorisations end 30 days after the MP |
 Spain | DGOJ general + singular licences | Gaming tax on GGR, quarterly | €100k capital, €2M guarantee |
ColombiaLicense typeColjuegos concession, 3-5 yrs
Taxation15% GGR + 811 SMMLV · 16% tax 2026
Requirements.co site, 15% bond, COP 615M cover
MexicoLicense typeSEGOB permit, establishment-linked
TaxationIEPS 50% of stakes less prizes
RequirementsMexican company, prize bond
BrazilLicense typeFixed-odds banned by MP 1.394
TaxationGGR-share rules revoked 25.9.2026
RequirementsAuthorisations end 30 days after the MP
SpainLicense typeDGOJ general + singular licences
TaxationGaming tax on GGR, quarterly
Requirements€100k capital, €2M guarantee
Before you apply
Requirements for the Coljuegos concession.Requirements for the licence.
Coljuegos tests the company's balance sheet as hard as its platform. The checklist below is what a complete file contains.
01
Applicant company - a national or foreign legal person (Res. 25334/2016 art. 5) that outlasts the contract by at least two years and has games of chance in its object (CIIU 9200).
02
.co website - a specific site on a .co domain registered to the applicant (art. 5 req. 1; Acuerdo 8 de 2020 art. 1.5.1).
03
Financial capacity - working capital of at least 1,450 SMMLV, equity of at least 30% of the fixed rights for the whole contract plus administration costs, interest cover of 1.1 and debt at or below 70% of assets.
04
Lab certification - the platform certified by a laboratory Coljuegos has authorised (art. 5 req. 9).
05
Player-funds account - a bank certificate for the account holding player balances, filed with full financial statements.
06
Prize cover - at least COP 615 million by fiduciary trust, bank guarantee or, since 2025, insurance policy; reset every 6 months in year one to the higher of 8.1% of net revenue or the minimum, then yearly to the higher of 4.1% or the minimum.
07
Performance bond - 15% of the contract value, valid for the concession plus its liquidation period (Res. 25334/2016 art. 10 lit. a).
08
Return to player - at least 83% (Acuerdo 8 de 2020 art. 1.1.10), the condition for the 15% rate.
09
Player accounts - adults resident in Colombia, verified within 30 business days, with daily, weekly and monthly purchase limits and withdrawals paid within 72 hours.
10
SIPLAFT - the AML/CFT prevention system Coljuegos requires of the operators it authorises, reporting to the UIAF.
01
Company outlasting the contract.
02
A .co site in its name.
03
Working capital 1,450 SMMLV.
04
Lab-certified platform.
05
Player-funds bank account.
06
Prize cover from COP 615M.
07
15% performance bond.
08
RTP of at least 83%.
09
Verified adult residents.
10
SIPLAFT reporting to UIAF.
Reflects Ley 643 de 2001, Acuerdo 8 de 2020 and Resolución 20161200025334 de 2016 as amended in 2025, as of 2026.Ley 643 + Acuerdo 8 de 2020 + Res. 25334/2016, as of 2026.
How it works
From first call to a signed concession.
01
Structure and site
Vehicle, corporate object and the .co domain fixed in writing, and the product list checked against what the online contract covers..co domain, object fixed.
02
Capacity and guarantees
Financial ratios tested against 1,450 SMMLV and the 30% equity rule; bond and prize cover lined up.1,450 SMMLV, 30% equity.
03
Certification and filing
Platform certified by an authorised lab, file lodged on the Coljuegos operator portal.Authorised lab, portal filing.
04
Coljuegos review
Coljuegos states a two-month response time. End to end, we plan for 6-9 months.Two months stated; 6-9 realistic.
05
Contract and launch
Concession signed for up to five years, fixed rights paid in the first 20 business days of each year, monthly returns running.Up to five years.
Quick facts
RegulatorColjuegos
Contract term3-5 years
Exploitation rights15% of GGR
Fixed rights811 SMMLV a year
Administration1% of the rights
Consumption tax 202616% of GGR, bimonthly
Register, 1 Oct 202614 operators
Realistic timeline6-9 months
Coljuegos prices the contract in minimum wages and percentages, so the peso figures change every year. We rebuild the model each time the minimum wage moves.
On the ground in Colombia
Run from our Bogotá office.
Prifinance - Colombia
Bogotá · Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia
01
The Colombian vehicle
A company with games of chance in its object and a duration that outlasts the contract by two years, set up and registered from Bogotá.Object and duration right.
02
Financial capacity
Working capital, equity and debt ratios tested against Res. 25334/2016 before filing - the thresholds are set in minimum wages, so the peso targets move.Ratios tested first.
03
Bond and prize cover
The 15% performance bond and the COP 615 million prize cover arranged with banks, trust companies or insurers.Bond and cover arranged.
04
Coljuegos and DIAN calendar
Monthly exploitation-rights returns, the bimonthly 2026 consumption tax and SIPLAFT reporting run as one calendar.Coljuegos and DIAN together.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Väike-Paala tn 1
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Budapest
Hungary
Korányi Sándor u. 4
Istanbul
Turkey
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Good to know
Taxation of gaming operators in Colombia.
Two layers stack up: the monopoly rent paid to Coljuegos, and the taxes collected by DIAN, which have changed by decree in each of the last two years.
Exploitation rights 15%
15% of gross revenue less prizes paid, per game type, declared and paid within the first 10 business days of the following month (Acuerdo 8 de 2020 arts. 1.1.5 and 1.1.7).GGR, monthly.
811 SMMLV a year
The fixed component, due within the first 20 business days of each year of operation. Its peso amount follows that year's minimum wage and is confirmed in the quote.Fixed, each year.
1% administration
Gastos de administración of 1% of the exploitation rights, paid on top (art. 1.1.6).On top of the rights.
16% consumption tax, 2026
Decreto Legislativo 240 of 12 March 2026 adds art. 512-22 to the Tax Statute: 16% on online games of chance, triggered by the player's deposit, on bets less prizes per two-month period, for the year 2026.DL 240, bimonthly.
VAT on deposits, 2025
Decreto Legislativo 175 of 14 February 2025 charged 19% VAT on online deposits, on a base of the deposit divided by 1.19, foreign operators included, until 31 December 2025.DL 175, to 31.12.2025.
Corporate tax 35%
The general rate under art. 240 of the Tax Statute as amended by Ley 2277 de 2022. Occasional gains pay 15%.General rate.
Tax summary
Exploitation rights15% of GGR + 811 SMMLV a year
Administration1% of the rights
Consumption tax 202616% of GGR, bimonthly
VAT on deposits19% until 31.12.2025
Corporate tax35%
*As of 2026 per Ley 643 de 2001, Acuerdo 8 de 2020, Decretos Legislativos 175/2025 and 240/2026 and the Tax Statute. Group and founder-level outcomes are modelled per structure.
Turnkey professional support
Experienced lawyers and international consultants.
We provide end-to-end support, from company registration and the application file to regulatory interaction and compliance oversight - with an individualized approach to each client.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the application itself: Colombian company, AML/KYC policy pack, capital structure and tax registrations. His document sets are the reason reviews finish in months, not years.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
First point of contact for international founders. Runs the whole setup remotely, across time zones and languages - from the first call to a live, licensed operator.
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Colombia · Coljuegos
Launch your gaming project in Colombia with expert support.
Full-service assistance - from the Colombian vehicle and the financial-capacity file to the Coljuegos contract, guarantees and monthly returns - run through our Bogotá office.
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Is Colombia the right fit for your project?
Our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, licence scope, or route fits your business.
Written assessment within 2-5 business days
Request a free conclusion →FAQ
The Colombia online concession, answered.
Is it a licence?+
No - a concession contract. Ley 643 de 2001 makes games of chance a state monopoly, and Coljuegos lets private operators run internet games under contracts of three to five years (art. 7). Each contract covers one .co site.
What does the contract cost?+
Exploitation rights of 15% of gross revenue less prizes paid, plus 811 SMMLV for each year of operation and a 1% administration charge (Acuerdo 8 de 2020 arts. 1.1.5-1.1.7). The peso value of the fixed part follows that year's minimum wage.
What guarantees does Coljuegos require?+
A performance bond of 15% of the contract value and prize cover of at least COP 615 million, reset every six months in year one to the higher of 8.1% of net revenue or the minimum. Trust, bank guarantee or, since 2025, an insurance policy.
Can a foreign company apply?+
Yes. Res. 25334/2016 art. 5 admits national or foreign legal persons, provided the company outlasts the contract by two years and has games of chance in its object. Every concessionaire on today's register is a Colombian S.A. or S.A.S.
How long does it take?+
Coljuegos states a two-month response time on its procedure page. Lab certification, the financial-capacity file and the guarantees sit before and after that window, so we plan for 6-9 months to a live .co site.
What taxes apply in 2026?+
A 16% national consumption tax on bets less prizes, paid bimonthly, for the year 2026 (Decreto Legislativo 240), on top of the exploitation rights and 35% corporate tax. The decree was issued under a state of emergency; we confirm its status before modelling.
What happened to VAT on deposits?+
Decreto Legislativo 175 of 2025 charged 19% VAT on online deposits until 31 December 2025. A 2025 financing bill proposed keeping it after that date; we confirm the current position with DIAN before quoting.
What player rules apply?+
Players must be adults resident in Colombia, verified within 30 business days. They set daily, weekly and monthly limits on credit purchases, credits run 1:1 with the peso, and withdrawals are paid within 72 hours.
Colombia or Mexico for a Latin American operator?+
Mexico's permits run far longer - up to 15 years, renewable - but only Mexican companies tied to a land-based establishment hold them, and IEPS is 50% of stakes less prizes. Colombia's contract lasts 3-5 years and admits foreign applicants. For a new entrant, Colombia is the shorter road in.
Why Prifinance for Colombia?+
We build the Colombian vehicle, the financial-capacity file and the guarantees, get the platform certified and file with Coljuegos from our Bogotá office. After signature we run the monthly rights returns and the 2026 tax calendar with you.
A licence?+
No, a concession contract.
Cost?+
15% GGR + 811 SMMLV + 1%.
Guarantees?+
15% bond, COP 615M cover.
Foreign company?+
Admitted by art. 5.
How long?+
Two months stated; plan 6-9.
Taxes 2026?+
16% consumption tax on GGR.
VAT?+
19% on deposits through 2025.
Player rules?+
Residents, limits, 72-hour payouts.
Or Mexico?+
Longer permits, Mexican companies only.
Why you?+
Bogotá office, full file.
Client notes
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Prifinance is an independent law and advisory firm. We are not a regulator and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Coljuegos or any other public authority. Authorisations are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authorities.