Gambling Age In Colombia

Minimum Age: 19

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Colombia, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 19. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as per Law 643 of 2001, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal, with over 300 casinos in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, offering slots, poker, and table games, aligning with your interest in extensive game catalogs. Betting shops, lotteries, and bingo halls are widespread, requiring ID checks to enforce the 19-year-old age limit. The casino market, valued at COP 5 trillion annually, supports tourism and state revenues.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal and regulated since 2016, with Coljuegos issuing licenses for casinos, sports betting, and poker, offered via mobile platforms, generating COP 1 trillion in 2024. Unlicensed offshore sites are blocked, with over 2,000 domains restricted by 2025, and players face fines up to COP 100 million, supporting a competitive market similar to those you’ve explored.

Regulation and Oversight: Coljuegos, under the Ministry of Finance, regulates gambling under Law 643 of 2001 and Decree 176 of 2016. It oversees licensing, enforcing fair play, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling initiatives like affordability checks. Colombia’s robust framework, akin to Kahnawake’s rigor, supports a $2 billion gambling economy, with 2024 reforms streamlining digital licensing processes.

Enforcement and Penalties: Colombia enforces its regulations rigorously. Operators face inspections, with violations like underage gambling leading to fines up to COP 500 million, license revocation, or criminal charges. Illegal websites are blocked, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling face fines or account closures. The 2025 responsible gambling campaigns ensure a secure environment, with the market projected to grow 10% annually.