Colombia’s emergency decree keeps VAT on licensed online gambling at 19% but applies it to gross gaming revenue instead of player deposits, according to the decree. The revised basis applies throughout 2026; Fecoljuegos said the change reduces the tax burden but remains high compared with other jurisdictions.
Licensed operators’ VAT liability is now calculated on gross gaming revenue rather than deposits for 2026.
The day’s most important stories, free. One email a day.
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.
SuperGiros, a Colombian sports betting statistics service, estimates wagers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup reached COP5.3tn. The firm estimates the activity generated about COP120bn for the public healthcare system. SuperGiros also reported more than 4.7 million transactions worth around COP1.4tn on its SuperPay platform.
Colombia enacted Decrees 0240 and 0241 under an economic emergency regime, introducing a 16% consumption tax on online gambling deposits, according to the report. Fecoljuegos president Evert Montero Cárdenas criticised the measure, citing uncertainty over the taxable base and a discrepancy with projected 19% VAT revenue; he said the tax could undermine regulated operators’ competitiveness.
Fecoljuegos president Evert Montero Cárdenas criticised Colombia's gambling policy debate, arguing that decisions rely too heavily on imperfect figures and political considerations. He said 95% of the amount wagered is paid out as prizes, while the remaining 5% covers costs including taxes, regulatory fees and healthcare contributions.