Colombia’s gambling regulator Coljuegos hosted a territorial outreach event in Armenia, Quindío, focused on combating illegal gambling and reinforcing the importance of legal betting frameworks. The event marked a renewed push by Coljuegos to extend its influence beyond major urban centres and into regions where illegal gambling remains entrenched.
Law Enforcement and Lottery Officials Join Forces
The outreach session was held in partnership with the National Police, Quindío Lottery, and a wide range of stakeholders, including licensed operators, retail businesses and local shop owners. It aimed to raise awareness about the social and economic consequences of unregulated gambling, especially as it pertains to public revenue.
Luis Alfredo Escobar, Coljuegos’ Vice President of Operations, stressed the regulator’s commitment to outreach, stating:
“Coljuegos continues committed to the regions, promoting legality even in the most remote places.”
The campaign also emphasized the fact that legal gambling channels contribute directly to Colombia’s healthcare system via tax revenues. Illegal gambling operations undermine this contribution, siphoning money away from essential services.
Rising Reports of Illegal Gambling in Quindío
Coljuegos disclosed that it had received 180 reports of suspected illegal gambling in the Quindío region alone. These reports include both informal betting kiosks and digital platforms operating without licences. The agency has vowed to intensify enforcement, and law enforcement officials attending the session committed to further training and operational collaboration to disrupt illegal betting networks.
This local outreach complements a national campaign by Coljuegos to expand its enforcement capabilities, which includes increased auditing of physical venues and improved technological tracking of unauthorized online platforms.
Grupo Vinnare Begins Reimbursements After Licence Expiry
In a related update, Coljuegos confirmed that Grupo Vinnare, the former licensee behind FullReto, has initiated refunds to affected users after the expiration of its operational licence in December 2024. The company, through fiduciary partner Fiduprevisora, has disbursed COP 47 million (approx. $11,600) to an initial group of 71 users.
While the FullReto platform has remained inactive since its licence lapsed, Coljuegos is monitoring the reimbursement process closely to ensure that all affected balances are settled. This development serves as a reminder of the importance of licensing integrity and consumer protection mechanisms, especially as Colombia’s gambling market continues to expand digitally.
Final Thoughts: Regional Outreach, National Impact
Coljuegos’ proactive approach in Armenia reflects a larger institutional strategy: to reinforce the legitimacy of licensed gambling, expand territorial oversight, and dismantle the financial infrastructure of illegal betting rings. By working with local authorities and offering clear paths for consumer restitution—as seen with FullReto—the regulator is laying down a blueprint for responsible market expansion and public trust.
The battle against illegal gambling in Colombia is far from over, but initiatives like these signal a robust, coordinated response from both government and industry players.
