The numbers out of Colombia’s gaming sector feel quietly powerful. In the first half of 2025 the regulated gambling industry transferred COP 883.992 billion, more than USD 219.6 million, to support the subsidized healthcare system. That sum reinforces how the sector has become an unexpected ally in public well being.
National games and territorial offerings carry weight
The lion’s share of the contribution came from national games such as raffles, promotional draws and innovative formats under Coljuegos’ concession model. These alone accounted for COP 566.563 billion, around USD 140.5 million, which marked a nearly 27 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year. That shows the regulated side picking up genuine momentum.
Territorial games, including lotteries, chance products and Raspa & Listo scratch cards, also made their mark. They raised COP 317.359 billion, or USD 78.7 million, which was a seven percent uptick on contribution levels seen in the first half of 2024.
Lotteries honoured for their contributions
At the National Congress of Lotteries and Distributors held from August 20 to 23 in Pereira the industry celebrated its standouts. Among departmental lotteries Bogotá, Huila and the Extraordinary Draw stood out for sending the most funds to healthcare. Others like Boyacá and Medellín topped prize payouts and sales. The oldest lottery, Cundinamarca, and the Cruz Roja lottery earned special recognition for their long term service and recent contributions.
Coljuegos and the National Council of Games of Chance used the gathering to thank managers and distributors whose daily efforts ensure those transfers translate into healthcare access for vulnerable Colombians.
What this means for the future
Behind those figures lies a stronger story about Colombia’s regulated gambling sector and its growing impact. Coljuegos President Marco Emilio Hincapié highlighted that these numbers reflect resilience and add weight to regulated gaming as a stable source of health system funding.
The conversations at the Congress also focused on what comes next. Corporate social responsibility and modernising sales channels through technology are high on the agenda. This blends prevention with progress, making sure that regulated providers carry forward a model that supports both public health and sustainable business.
This is not only about funds transferring from one pocket to another. It is about a maturing industry taking on a role that reaches far into the lives of everyday Colombians.
