The Colombian gaming authority, Coljuegos, in conjunction with the Colombian National Police, conducted surprise inspections at 274 unauthorized gambling locations in Bogotá and Montería. During these raids, they confiscated equipment worth 71.1 billion Colombian pesos, which translates to approximately £1.3 million, $1.9 million, or €1.6 million.
Coljuegos and the National Police initially targeted the Suba, Ciudad Bolivar, and Engativá districts of Bogotá, seizing 58.9 billion Colombian pesos obtained through illicit gambling operations. They also discovered 224 gambling machines.
In Montería, Córdoba, raids on 15 establishments resulted in the seizure of 50 slot machines, along with 12.2 billion Colombian pesos in illegal gambling funds.
According to Colombian law, each illegal slot machine will be subject to a fine of 72.6 million Colombian pesos.
For other illicit gambling activities, each establishment, point of sale, outlet, and supplier will be fined 272.5 million Colombian pesos.
Moreover, each establishment will be prohibited from operating as a gambling facility for a period of five years, and those involved will face imprisonment ranging from six to eight years.
In August, Coljuegos conducted raids on seven unlicensed gambling establishments in the town of Manaure, confiscating 139 gambling devices.
Sign up for the iGaming newsletter.