Colombia regulates pari mutuel sports betting

Following a warning to unlicenced online gambling operators from Colombian gaming authority ColJeugos in March this year, limited pari mutuel sportsbetting has been given the green light in the South American country.

According to a ColJuegos statement, an operator will be selected by public tender and a 58 percent minimum payout of gross sales in RTP or the game will be expected.

Coljuegos estimates that pari mutuel betting will yield $73 Billion in its first year of operation – rising to $250 Billion by its fifth year.

Income received by the State from the introduction of pari mutuel sports betting will be used to exclusively supplement the country’s health services which Coljuegos estimates will be $12 Billion in the first year of operation, rising to $49 Billion by year five.

The authority has published regulations pertaining to the operation of the game on its website and said it will make details on the bidding process available in the coming weeks.

Potential operators are required to demonstrate experience in the field of particularly sports betting but also online gaming and real time gaming.  Financial strength and technology, a proficient sales network and the ability to pay wager winnings from the onset of the contract, are all prerequisites to the bidding process.

“This is a breakthrough for the games of chance industry in the country, and for Colombia a great opportunity to modernise this sector,” said Rodrigo Velez, president of Coljuegos.  “The main goal is for Coljuegos to increase the income receivable for the health industry.  We will track the innovation and revitalization of the gaming market in the country, providing more entertainment options to the public.”

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