Colombia's regulator urges internet providers to block unauthorized online operators

Coljuegos, the regulatory entity of games of chance in Colombia, announced that it will request directly to the internet service providers block the websites of online operators that operate without the proper authorization, in other words, in an illegal manner.

In a public statement, the regulating entity pointed out that this action is carried out "to increase the effectiveness in the fight against illegal bets on the Internet."

Additionally, the President of Coljuegos, Marco Emilio Hincapié, explained that this strategy will be implemented based on the External Circular 017 of 2025, issued by the Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications (MinTic).

Through this document, which was issued at the end of April, the guidelines and procedures for the blocking of websites dedicated to the operation, sale, payment, or advertising of unauthorized games of luck and chance were defined.

"From the Government of Change, we are working in an articulated way to protect the gaming industry. After several work tables with MinTic, we managed to simplify the process of blocking illegal gambling websites," Hincapié stated.

Based on this, the head of Coljuegos indicated that, to date, about 26,600 blocking orders have been issued to unauthorized gambling sites.

"With this new procedure, we hope to block illegal platforms more quickly. We will no longer have to submit requests to different entities, but we will be able to order the blocking directly to the Internet providers," he added.

"In addition to fighting against illegal operators, our purpose is to protect resources for peace and health, as well as to provide greater guarantees to the 14 authorized operators in the country," Hincapié concluded.

Finally, Coljuegos pointed out that this MinTic measure is issued "in compliance with Decree 0175 of 2025, through which tax measures were adopted due to the state of internal commotion decreed by the National Government."