Online poker in Colombia is fully legal and regulated under the country's comprehensive gambling framework. The legal foundation was established through Law 643 of 2001 (the Colombian Gambling Act) and later modified by Article 93 of Law 1753 of 2015, which specifically legalized interactive gambling including online poker (1). Colombia operates gambling as a government monopoly at the constitutional level, with Coljuegos serving as the primary regulatory authority overseeing all gambling activities in the country.
Coljuegos, created by Decree 4142 in November 2011, falls under the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit and is responsible for licensing and regulating online poker operators (2). To operate legally in Colombia, poker operators must obtain proper licensing from Coljuegos and comply with strict regulatory requirements. Licensed operators are subject to a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue for games offering at least an 83% return to players, along with annual administration fees.
"Online gaming falls into the category of novelty games under the national level of regulation; therefore, Coljuegos, as the national regulator, provides the licensing regime and the conditions of operation."
Colombia has positioned itself as a pioneer in Latin American gambling regulation, becoming the first country in the region to establish a comprehensive legal framework for online gambling including poker. The regulatory structure allows Coljuegos to issue efficient regulations with total autonomy and independence, creating a transparent gaming environment that protects players while ensuring operators meet their obligations regarding fair gaming and responsible gambling practices. This legal framework has made Colombia a benchmark for other Latin American countries considering online gambling regulation.
Source:
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/colombia
https://www.theiaga.org/snapshot--remote-gambling-in-colombia
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
