Colombia’s government has imposed 19% VAT on online games of chance under a tax decree issued during an economic emergency. Industry group Fecoljuegos said the tax is calculated on gross gaming revenue rather than deposits, but argued that VAT and exploitation fees together bring the sector’s tax burden to about 34%.
The tax changes operators’ costs and the basis on which online gambling activity is taxed in Colombia.
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Colombia ranked third in South America for online gambling participation, with 13.8% of internet users aged 16 and older taking part, according to DataReportal. Figures attributed to Coljuegos and Fecoljuegos put the country’s annual online betting gross betting volume at COP 34.5 trillion to COP 45 trillion, with more than 10.8 million active accounts.
A DataReportal study of internet users aged over 16 found that South Africa had the highest online gambling participation, at 32.3%, followed by Norway at 31.2%. The report also cited estimates of $105 billion to $121 billion for the global digital betting market and said Colombia had more than 10.8 million registered active accounts.
A DataReportal study of internet users aged over 16 found that South Africa had the highest online gambling participation, at 32.3%, followed by Norway at 31.2%, according to the report. The percentages refer to surveyed internet users rather than the whole population of each country.
Colombian senator Gustavo Moreno said he is preparing a bill to tighten state oversight of online betting platforms. His proposals include digital identity checks and daily and monthly limits on deposits and losses; Fecoljuegos president Evert Montero said legal platforms already use safeguards and argued that enforcement should focus on illegal gambling.
Senator Gustavo Moreno is promoting a bill in Colombia to tighten controls on online betting. His proposal would require digital identity checks and set daily and monthly deposit and loss limits; Fecoljuegos supports responsible-gambling controls but warns that excessive regulation could strengthen illegal operators.
Sports betting contributed to Colombia’s entertainment activity growth in Q2 2026, citing DANE. The combined category covering arts, entertainment, recreation and other services expanded 9.5% year on year, while the arts, entertainment and recreation component grew 10.4%. DANE linked increased betting activity in May and June to the World Cup and other sporting events.