Colombian online casinos for Real Money
Colombia Casino Guide
Getting Started
Colombia is a recent addition to the pack when it comes to countries that have legalised gambling. The Republic of Colombia has a population that loves to bet, but there are, understandably, some ins and outs to ensure that the market is properly regulated and safe. What does this mean for gamblers in the country?
Can Colombians sign up for online casinos? Can they bet on sports? What about visiting land-based, brick-and-mortar establishments or offshore sites? We’ve got all the answers you need, and we’ll explain everything in our guide to gambling in Colombia.
Colombia’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
Colombia has tolerated (although they never legalised) gambling halls ever since it gained independence from Spain in 1810. However, it wasn’t until 1991 that Colombia first legalised casinos and gambling rooms. When it did so, they were the immediate plaything of the state, run as a monopoly. This led to corruption and criminality, so a further change was made ten years later.
In 2001, the newly established Gambling Commission (Coljuegos) was established to run things properly. All land-based gambling establishments immediately came under the jurisdiction of this new authority. Despite the presence of a state-run monopoly, some other gambling businesses were allowed to set up shop, and the model has proven so successful that it is now being copied by many South American states.
2001 also saw another major change. The Colombian government decided that online gambling would be tolerated (though not specifically legal) that year. This, too, created a few problems, and these wouldn’t be rectified until 2016 when the eGaming Act was published. The first gambling license was awarded to the Italian lottery brand GTECH, and others have followed. Since then, bingo, instant win games and online scratch cards were made legal in 2021. All these games are regulated by Coljuegos.
Colombians are not supposed to venture to offshore casinos to play. However, the Colombian authorities don’t crack down on this as much as you might imagine. Therefore, Colombians can do so without being punished. However, given the flexible nature of the South American country’s laws and its abundance of betting sites, we do recommend locally regulated sites over dubious offshore ones.
Who Regulates and Licenses Colombian Casino Sites?
All forms of gambling are now regulated by Coljuegos. Established as a new licensing and regulatory body (after the previous one was riddled with corruption), Coljuegos is the model for all South American gambling commissions and one of the most respected in the world. They have strict regulations that operators must follow, and these are predominantly designed to keep players safe.
It is possible to venture out to offshore casinos but doing so means you’re outside of Coljuegos’ jurisdiction. If you choose to play at international casinos, you’re going to need to ensure that any site you play at it is equally as well licensed and regulated as Coljuegos-approved casinos. There are a few licensing bodies which can do that, such as the UKGC and MGA, but most foreign sites accepting Colombians are licensed out of Curacao, where the regulation offered is far less than what Coljuegos provides. There are still state-run monopolies in Colombia that offer gambling games, but even these are subject to Coljuegos’ jurisdiction.
Colombia’s Most Popular Gambling Games
Colombians love to have a punt on all sorts of gambling games. Many players favour football betting, and much revenue is raised from these games. Poker is also a particularly big game in Colombia, with several notable players coming from the country. It is worth pointing out that legal players (18 or older) also like lottery and bingo-style games.
Slots and traditional casino table games can be played in Colombia, and they have their followers, too. More recently, live dealer titles began to take off and have proven popular with gamblers in the South American country. One of the only major game providers to come from Colombia is Rivalo, and they mainly cater to casinos based in the country.
Who Can Play?
Colombian casinos (those licensed by Coljuegos) are ideal for bettors based in Colombia. Oddly enough, they don’t exactly prohibit access to players residing in other countries, though. They do only cater to players who speak Spanish and require the use of the Colombian peso. However, this friendly nature seems to work both ways, with many offshore casinos accessible to Colombians.
Any international casino that accepts Colombians will also accept the Colombian peso, or at least the US dollar, offer gameplay in Spanish (and English) and be generally open to accepting players from other parts of South America to boot.
Online Casino Payment Options
Colombian players have access to a wide range of payment methods at online casinos, including some that are exclusive to the country. These methods can be broadly divided into categories, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrencies. Below, we provide a detailed overview of the most common payment methods used by players in Colombia.
Credit/Debit Cards:
- Visa: Visa is widely accepted at online casinos in Colombia. It allows players to make secure and instant deposits, and it is easy to set up.
- Mastercard: Another popular card option, Mastercard is accepted by most Colombian online casinos. Like Visa, it offers secure and instant deposits.
- Diners Club: This card is also accepted by a number of online casinos in Colombia, allowing players to make quick and secure deposits.
E-Wallets:
- Nequi: Nequi is an e-wallet that has gained popularity in Colombia, allowing users to make payments and transfers using their mobile phones. Nequi is secure and user-friendly, making it a popular choice for online casino players.
- Davivienda: This is a Colombian bank that offers a digital wallet service for its customers. Davivienda wallet allows users to deposit and withdraw funds at online casinos securely and conveniently.
- Bancolombia App Personas: This is another popular mobile banking app in Colombia, which allows users to make secure transactions with their online casino accounts.
Prepaid Cards:
- Efecty: Efecty is a prepaid card service that enables Colombian players to fund their online casino accounts easily. Users can buy Efecty vouchers at authorized retail locations and then use the voucher code to deposit funds.
- Baloto: Baloto is a widely used prepaid card service in Colombia that allows users to make deposits at online casinos. Players can purchase Baloto vouchers at various retail outlets and use the unique code to fund their accounts.
Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin: Bitcoin is a popular cryptocurrency that is accepted by a growing number of online casinos in Colombia. It offers a secure and anonymous way to deposit and withdraw funds.
- Ethereum: Ethereum is another cryptocurrency that has gained popularity among Colombian online casino players. It offers the same benefits as Bitcoin in terms of security and anonymity.
Bank Transfers:
- PSE (Pagos Seguros en Línea): PSE is an online payment gateway used by many Colombian banks. It allows players to make secure bank transfers to fund their online casino accounts. PSE is widely accepted by Colombian online casinos and is considered a safe and convenient method for deposits and withdrawals.
These are some of the most common payment methods used by players in Colombia to fund their online casino accounts. All of these options are available for Colombian players, and none of them are restricted based on the country’s regulations. As a player, it is essential to choose a payment method that suits your needs and provides a secure and convenient way to manage your online casino transactions.
New Online Casinos Colombia 2024
F.A.Q's
1. Is online gambling legal in Colombia?
Yes, online gambling is legal in Colombia. The country has a regulated online gambling market, and Colombian players can safely access licensed online casinos. The licensing and regulation of online gambling operators in Colombia is overseen by the Coljuegos, the national gaming authority.
2. How can I find licensed online casinos for Colombian players?
Look for online casinos that have a valid license from Coljuegos, the Colombian gaming authority. These casinos will typically display their licensing information in the footer of their websites. Additionally, you can consult the official Coljuegos website for a list of licensed operators.
3. What types of games can I play at Colombian online casinos?
Colombian online casinos offer a wide variety of casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, baccarat, craps, and live dealer games. You can find detailed guides and strategies for each of these games in our casino guides section.
4. Can I play at online casinos using Colombian Pesos (COP)?
Yes, many online casinos catering to Colombian players accept Colombian Pesos (COP) as a currency option. You can find more information about payment methods and banking options available at online casinos on our website.
5. What payment methods are available for Colombian players?
Colombian players can choose from a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, and even cryptocurrencies. Be sure to check the available options at your chosen online casino, as these may vary.
6. Are online casino bonuses available for Colombian players?
Yes, Colombian players can take advantage of various types of bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos. Visit our bonuses and loyalty programs section to learn more about the different types of bonuses and how to maximize their benefits.
7. Is it safe to play at online casinos in Colombia?
As long as you choose a licensed and regulated online casino, it is safe to play at online casinos in Colombia. To ensure a secure gaming experience, check out our guide on safety and security in the online gambling industry.
8. Can I play online casino games on my mobile device in Colombia?
Yes, many online casinos offer mobile-optimized websites or dedicated apps for a seamless gaming experience on smartphones and tablets. Learn more about mobile gaming and how to get started with playing casino games on your mobile device in our guide.
9. How can I ensure responsible gambling while playing at online casinos in Colombia?
Responsible gambling is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. Visit our responsible gambling principles section for tips and advice on how to maintain control over your gambling habits. It’s also essential to familiarize yourself with the signs of problem gambling and seek help if needed.
10. Is customer support available in Spanish for Colombian players at online casinos?
Most online casinos that cater to Colombian players offer customer support in Spanish, as well as other languages. You can find more information about the importance of good customer support and what to look for in an online casino in our dedicated guide.