Colombia legalizes keno games in $485M gambling sector expansion
Colombia has officially announced the regulation of keno games, marking a major step in expanding its gambling sector. The move is expected to bring in $485 million over the next five years, with operations set to begin in January 2026. Three local firms have been chosen to run the games in designated regions.
Keno, a game of luck where players pick 10 numbers from 1 to 80, will soon be available in four regions. The pre-operational phase is already active and will continue for four months before the official launch. Coljuegos, the national gambling regulator, awarded the concessions to keno S.A.S, Blinkazar S.A.S, and keno Region 3 S.A.S after a competitive bidding process.
President of Coljuegos, Marco Emilio Hincapié, confirmed that the selection was transparent and involved multiple bidders. The regulator also reported seizing 569 illegal gambling items last month, reinforcing its commitment to oversight. The gambling sector has already shown strong financial impact, contributing over $225 million to subsidised healthcare in the first half of 2025. Coljuegos aims to further strengthen the industry as a key economic pillar by broadening legal gaming options.
The introduction of regulated keno will roll out in January 2026, with three operators managing the games. The initiative is projected to generate significant revenue while reinforcing the sector's role in Colombia's economy. Authorities will continue monitoring compliance and cracking down on illegal gambling activities.
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