Coljuegos creates registry to counter import of illegal slot machines
Summary
Coljuegos, Colombia’s gambling regulator, has introduced the Single Registry of Importers and Distributors (RIC) under Resolution 8594 of 2025 to curb the importation and sale of illegal electronic slot machines (METS). From 2026, electronic slot machines must be registered before import. Importers and distributors have 45 days from the resolution’s publication (26 January) to register, and must notify Coljuegos of each machine’s destination within 10 days of customs clearance.
The regulator says the move is aimed at protecting the licenced land-based sector and safeguarding tax revenues earmarked for the Colombian healthcare system. Coljuegos also confirmed it will coordinate with the National Directorate of Taxes and Customs (DIAN) to enforce the new controls. The announcement comes as the Constitutional Court suspends a decree that would have imposed a 19% VAT on online gambling GGR, leaving online operators subject to the standard 15% GGR tax for now.
Key Points
- Coljuegos published Resolution 8594 (2025) creating the Single Registry of Importers and Distributors (RIC) to control METS imports.
- From 2026, electronic slot machines must be registered before import; importers/distributors have 45 days from 26 January to register.
- Importers must inform Coljuegos of each machine’s destination within 10 days of customs clearance.
- The RIC is intended to stop illegal slot machines, protect the licenced land-based industry and protect healthcare tax revenues.
- Land-based gambling contributed COP378.3 billion to healthcare in 2025 (around 39% of total gambling revenue); Colombia has roughly 109,000 licenced slot machines across 3,700+ venues.
- Coljuegos will work with DIAN (taxes and customs) to ensure imported equipment is licenced and taxed properly.
- Separately, the Constitutional Court suspended Decree 1390 (which included a proposed 19% VAT on online GGR), keeping online gambling at the standard 15% GGR tax for now.
Context and relevance
This regulatory change targets a persistent enforcement gap: illegal slot machines siphon revenue from licenced operators and reduce funds intended for Colombia’s healthcare system. Stricter import controls, registration and DIAN collaboration close routes used to bring unregulated machines into the market. For operators, manufacturers and importers, the RIC alters compliance steps and increases traceability of equipment moving through customs.
Why should I read this?
If you deal with slots in Colombia (or sell/import them into LATAM), this directly affects your paperwork, customs process and tax flow. It’s short, practical and saves you digging through the regulator’s site — get the essentials now so you don’t get caught out later.
Author’s take
Punchy and to the point: Coljuegos has moved from talk to action. This isn’t a minor paperwork tweak — it’s a compliance checkpoint that will bite importers who try to skirt rules and will protect revenue streams that fund healthcare. Read the detail if you import, distribute or run land-based venues in Colombia.