"Thanks to the work carried out between Coljuegos and the entrepreneurs of the games of chance sector, Colombia became the first country in America to regulate online gaming. The efforts to control the illegal operation and increase the collection, shows conclusive results. We already have 16 operators with the same number of web pages authorized to place bets on real sporting events. During 2017 (June to December), these games made sales of almost USD 36 million and in the 9 months of 2018, sales reached over USD 350 million," said Pérez Hidalgo.
He added: "In online betting websites there are registered a total of 1,525,082 players, which shows the great interest that there is for this type of games and the exponential growth that has been presented, as in the matter of collection for rights of exploitation, Coljuegos has managed to receive more than USD 9 million, resources that are transferred to finance the health sector of the country."
The president of Coljuegos also explained how the games of chance sector, as a whole, has been presenting a remarkable growth during the last three years and the expectations for the closing of the year 2018, highlighting that this is an industry and sector of the economy that contributes to the socioeconomic development of the country.
Similarly, Pérez Hidalgo stressed that this gaming modality has one of the highest rates of return to players, which in the case of Colombia must be at least 83% of sales. According to the latest awards report delivered, it has reached (to September 2018) 87.56%.
"We ask all those interested in placing bets online, to do so through the authorized websites, because these 16 portals provide security on bets, guarantee payment of prizes, the proper and safe handling of personal and financial information and control of the gaming habit with the implementation of individual limits,” he also mentioned.
Finally Coljuegos’ president stressed that when the State has digital strategies, not only for the simplification of internal processes, but also as a tool for the generation of value, objectives are achieved more effectively, as has been the regulation and implementation of gaming operated through the internet in the country.
"Our commitment will continue to be that games of chance are recognized as a responsible entertainment option, which generates important resources for health. And we are convinced that new technologies will be fundamental to achieve this," he concluded.
Source: GMB
