Colombia Legalizes Esports Betting, Recognizes Competitive Gaming as Official Discipline
Colombia has officially recognized esports as a legitimate sporting discipline and simultaneously approved its inclusion in the country’s regulated betting market. This major development comes after Congress unanimously passed legislation enabling citizens to legally place bets on popular esports titles such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, League of Legends, and more.
The change was brought about via Bill 026, introduced in 2024. The bill successfully navigated all legislative procedures and cleared the path for legal esports wagering in the South American nation.
Esports Betting Now a Part of Colombia’s Gambling Sector
With the new law in place, Colombian online gambling operators can now legally offer esports betting options. This move is expected to resonate strongly with younger demographics of legal gambling age, enhancing the appeal of regulated betting platforms.
Marco Emilio Hincapié, President of Coljuegos—the regulatory body overseeing gambling in Colombia—highlighted the forward-thinking nature of the legislation. “Esports already have legislative backing. We know that these sports are the present and the future; that is why we are not going to be left out of these technological advances. These sports will allow us to boost and expand the offer of the online gambling sector that we regulate,” he stated.
In addition to legalizing betting, the bill officially integrates esports into Colombia’s National Sports System, elevating it to the same status as traditional athletic competitions. This recognition aligns with the growing global acceptance of esports as competitive sports.
Ciro Solano Hurtado, President of the Colombian Olympic Committee, welcomed the change, adding, “We will be able to have many young people practicing what today the International Olympic Committee has already recognized as a sport.”
A Boost for the Colombian Esports Ecosystem
Beyond betting, this decision is poised to significantly enhance the country’s esports ecosystem. With official recognition comes the potential for increased sponsorship opportunities, investments, and broader exposure—without the issues often associated with excessive reliance on betting revenues in traditional sports.
José Aníbal Aguirre, CEO of GAT, expressed optimism about the future of Colombian esports: “We have achieved an alliance for the development of esports tournaments in Colombia. We hope to take our cyber-athletes to international championships to represent our country.”
Esports continues to solidify its position in the global sporting and betting landscape. Companies such as BETER have joined the Esports Integrity Commission to support transparency, while firms like Oddin.gg are pushing the boundaries of esports betting technology through strategic partnerships, such as their recent collaboration with Coolbet.
With this legislative change, Colombia takes a significant step toward becoming a leader in the Latin American esports scene.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com