Colombia to launch new Keno game built on blockchain

Summary

Colombia’s gambling regulator Coljuegos has awarded a concession for a new national Keno game that will use blockchain technology to issue tickets. The initiative is expected to generate COP485bn (around €107m) for the country’s health sector over the next five years and forms part of the government’s plan to boost transfers to subsidised healthcare while developing the local gaming market.

The concession was granted via an open bidding process to four regional operators covering all 32 departments. Preparations include a four-month training phase ahead of sales beginning in January 2026 and the rollout of over 16,000 sales terminals nationwide. Keno will run frequent draws every 6-10 minutes, with digital broadcasts of results and a gameplay format where players pick 10 numbers from 1-80 against 20 drawn balls.

Key Points

Coljuegos granted a national Keno concession expected to raise COP485bn (€107m) for the health sector over five years.
The Keno tickets will be issued using blockchain technology to improve transparency and traceability.
Four operators were selected to manage Keno across four regions covering all 32 Colombian departments.
Operators will undergo a four-month preparation phase; official sales start January 2026.
Rollout aims for more than 16,000 sales terminals to expand nationwide access.
Game format: choose 10 numbers from 1-80; 20 balls drawn per round; bets from COP1,000 to COP20,000; max payout COP1.68bn.
Draws will occur very frequently (every 6-10 minutes), with 144-240 draws daily depending on operator schedules.
Results will be published via digital platforms such as YouTube and official websites to enhance visibility.

Content Summary

Coljuegos says the move mixes modern tech with public policy goals: blockchain ticketing for heightened security and transparency, high-frequency draws to drive engagement, and accessible stake sizes to encourage widespread participation. The concession process was open and competitive, and four operators will split management by region. With training and systems deployment now underway, full commercial operations are slated for January 2026.

Context and Relevance

This launch is noteworthy on several fronts: it ties regulated gambling directly to public healthcare funding, introduces blockchain ticketing in a regulated Latin American market (a possible first), and signals Colombia’s intent to modernise its gaming infrastructure. For operators, technology providers and regulators, the project is a live example of how blockchain can be integrated for transparency in high-volume retail lottery environments. It also follows recent tax changes and fits broader trends of tighter regulation and tech-driven traceability in gambling markets.

Why should I read this?

Short version: if you work in iGaming, payments, regulation, or public funding, this is one to watch. Colombia is rolling out blockchain ticketing at scale, tying gaming receipts to healthcare funding and launching high-frequency draws across the country. It’s a practical test-case for tech, regulation and revenue-generation — and could influence similar moves across LatAm. We’ve skimmed the detail so you don’t have to.