Colombia’s Coljuegos sees eSports as a key driver for online betting expansion

Colombia’s online gambling sector is set to expand significantly following the approval of a new law that officially recognizes eSports as a sporting discipline. According to Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos, this development will help diversify betting options and stimulate growth in the regulated online gambling industry.

“eSports now have legislative support. We understand that this is both the present and the future, and we won’t be left behind in the face of technological progress,” Hincapié said. “These new forms of competition will help us strengthen and broaden the online betting market we oversee.”

The change comes as part of Law Project 026 of 2024, recently passed by the Senate and now awaiting presidential approval. Once enacted, eSports will be officially integrated into Colombia’s National Sports System, opening the door to further institutional development.

Ciro Solano Hurtado, President of the Colombian Olympic Committee, emphasized the importance of responsible implementation: “This law will allow many young people to engage in a discipline already recognized by the International Olympic Committee. We must manage it with great responsibility.”

The legislation also provides a framework for creating eSports clubs, leagues, and federations, and allows for the use of public funds to sponsor cyber-athletes. These resources may support both competition participation and talent development programs.

“We’ve established a partnership to promote eSports tournaments in Colombia. Our goal is to send our cyber-athletes to compete on the international stage,” said José Aníbal Aguirre, CEO of GAT (Gaming & Technology Expo).

Between January and March 2025, Colombia’s licensed online gaming platforms recorded more than 4.6 trillion pesos in bets, with sports events remaining the top choice for players. With eSports entering the mix, industry leaders are optimistic about even greater engagement and revenue.