Colombia’s gaming panorama might be in for a shakeup as Coljuegos, the nation’s gaming regulator, unveils plans to handle the difficulty of unauthorized slot machine operations. The initiative follows a tumultuous 12 months for Coljuegos, which has gone by three presidents since January.
Slots inside a bar in Colombia. Coljuegos, the nation’s gaming regulator, is implementing reforms to get rid of unlicensed slots throughout the nation. (Picture: Flickr)
The regulator, aiming to curb potential income losses, estimates that as many as 50K unauthorized slot machines could also be in operation throughout the nation, costing Colombia roughly COP945 billion (US$238.14 million). This determine represents one-third of the whole authorized gaming market.
In response to this rising concern, Coljuegos has proposed a series of measures to carry unauthorized slot machine operations below management. Nonetheless, it hasn’t but revealed the way it plans on imposing the brand new measures.
Fewer Unlawful Slots, Smaller Prizes
One key side of the plan includes obligatory registration for all slot operators, excluding licensed casinos. Beneath the proposed rules, these operators could be restricted to a most of 80 slots, with the particular quantity contingent upon the scale of the venue.
The regulator can be contemplating the introduction of limits on the quantity of prizes provided by these slots, aiming to standardize and regulate the business additional. Moreover, new guidelines governing the provision of slot expertise within the nation are on the desk, aimed toward enhancing oversight and making certain compliance.
Coljuegos has opened the ground for business suggestions on these proposed measures, however the window for commentary is restricted. Stakeholders and business gamers have till this Thursday to supply their insights and views on the potential modifications.
After receiving and analyzing the suggestions, the regulator will start rolling out the up to date guidelines, laying out new monetary obligations, and publishing data on authorised venues. That record will embody solely new entities, which means none that don’t already work with Coljuegos.
Coljuegos’ Revolving Door
The crackdown on unauthorized slot operations aligns with Coljuegos’ dedication to enhancing the integrity of the gaming business in Colombia. It’s additionally the newest try by the regulator to show itself. It has handled a number of points this 12 months, together with claims of corruption, which have chipped away at its picture.
A part of the difficulty has additionally been the revolving door on the high of the group. The 12 months began with Roger Carrillo Ocampo serving as Coljuegos’ president, however he left after publicly criticizing the federal government.
Upon his resignation in Could, Sammy Libos Zuñiga stepped in. On the time, he was serving because the Deputy Director of Fiscal Coverage of Colombia’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit score. Whereas it was revealed on the time that Zuñiga was getting into solely on an interim foundation, there was an opportunity that the economist would even be given a everlasting place.
That modified in July, when Marco Emilio Hincapié Ramírez, a lawyer and the previous GM of the Bogotá Lottery, turned the third president of the 12 months upon his appointment by Colombia President Gustavo Petro. Hincapié can be the fourth president to serve for the reason that entity was based in 2012.
