The Colombian gaming regulatory body is advancing in the investigation for alleged illegal operation of raffles and promotions on social networks.
Colombia.- Through the Management of Control of Illegal Operations, Coljuegos has opened 35 administrative sanction processes against influencers and companies that operate raffles and promotions through social networks without the respective authorization and without paying exploitation rights.
Marco Emilio Hincapié, president of Coljuegos, said: "We are investigating natural and legal persons who raffle movable and immovable goods and cash on social networks, but who do not request the authorizations. In addition to incurring a presumed violation of the penal code, these individuals would be failing to pay resources that are subsequently transferred to the health system."
Among the profiles investigated are companies such as Productos Epa Colombia S.A.S., Grupo Cossio S.A.S., Lechoneitor S.A.S., Supertiendas Olímpica, Javier Arias Stunt, among others.
"Regarding Mr. Javier Arias, two sanction processes are underway. The first of them was opened on June 11 against the company ACJ Digital Revolution. The second process, from August 30, 2024, is against the company Javier Arias Stunt SAS", Hincapié stated.
He added: "Both administrative sanction processes are in preliminary investigation to determine the alleged responsible parties for the operation of games of chance without authorization."
See also: Coljuegos transferred to the Colombian Prosecutor's Office more than 360 cases of alleged illegal betting operations
Coljuegos considered it important to highlight that the operation of games of chance without authorization is a crime contemplated in article 312 of the Penal Code. Likewise, those found administratively guilty by Coljuegos could receive a sanction of 100 legal minimum monthly wages, as well as disqualification from exercising the activity.
"We invite all companies and influencers interested in operating raffles to approach the competent entities and request their respective authorizations. In this way, they can be assured that they are not committing a crime and, additionally, they will contribute to the health of Colombians," Hincapié indicated.
It is worth adding that, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, a decree project was developed which allows the realization of up to 24 raffles per year. This aims to increase by about COP57.000m (USD12.8m) the resources for health and to update the current regulations. This project is ready for presidential signature.
