Coljuegos Considers Temporary Relief Following Colombia Earthquake
Colombia.- 13 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Coljuegos is assessing temporary measures for gambling operators affected by the earthquake that struck Colombia on 10 August.
The regulator has activated an institutional monitoring process to assess the impact of the seismic event on gambling operations and consider temporary adjustments to certain regulatory obligations.
Earthquake Impact
The main issues identified include physical damage to premises hosting land-based gaming operations, alongside disruption to electricity, telecommunications and internet services.
These problems may affect both physical operations and the real-time functioning of land-based, innovative and internet-operated gaming products.
They may also prevent some operators from meeting standard deadlines for data transmission and regulatory reporting.
Obligations That Could Be Adjusted
Coljuegos will prioritise the assessment of temporary measures covering:
- Transmission of information.
- Reporting deadlines.
- Calculation of gaming exploitation rights.
- Payment of exploitation rights.
- Administrative fees.
The regulator will consider each measure according to the exceptional circumstances generated by the emergency.
No Waiver of Obligations
Coljuegos made clear that any relief eventually adopted will be strictly temporary.
The measures will not involve debt forgiveness or any waiver of the government’s right to collect the amounts due.
The aim is instead to provide reasonable and proportionate adjustments to deadlines and procedures for operators directly affected by the earthquake.
The regulator also confirmed that revenues generated by Colombia’s gambling monopoly will continue to be allocated exclusively to healthcare services.
Institutional Framework
The review will be conducted under the principles of effectiveness, speed, economy, coordination and good faith established by Article 209 of the Colombian Constitution.
Coljuegos will also operate within the powers granted under Decrees 4142 of 2011 and 1451 of 2015 and Law 643 of 2001.
Next Steps or Impact
The regulator will keep its institutional communication channels available to receive reports, developments, questions and requests from affected operators.
Information provided by gambling industry associations will also be incorporated into the ongoing assessment.
Based on that evidence, Coljuegos will determine which temporary measures are required to support operational continuity and regulatory compliance without unfairly penalising companies directly affected by the emergency.
Editó: @fonta
