Colombia is poised to dramatically reshape its gambling landscape, initiating a sweeping overhaul of regulations governing slot machines – known locally as Máquinas Electrónicas Tragamonedas, or METs. The national gambling regulator, Coljuegos, has unveiled a draft bill designed to bring unprecedented transparency and accountability to this significant sector of the nation’s licensed gambling industry.
Currently, operating these machines requires a rigorous process of record-keeping and transparent financial reporting to Coljuegos, mirroring standards found in gambling jurisdictions worldwide. However, the new legislation aims to elevate these standards, creating a more robust and verifiable system for all involved.
The proposed bill, already vetted through public consultation and officially signed by Coljuegos’ CEO and President, Marco Emilio Hincapié Ramírez, will have far-reaching consequences. Casinos, MET operators, international manufacturers, and even the Colombian government itself – through its taxation and compliance mechanisms – will all feel the impact of these changes.
At the heart of the reform lies the introduction of an “integrated protocol” for license holders. This protocol demands a detailed record of all accrued taxes, a clear breakdown of calculations, and seamless data transfer, particularly crucial when a machine experiences a malfunction or requires maintenance.
Coljuegos is employing a strategic approach, offering a compelling incentive: a variable tax rate. In exchange for pristine, readily accessible reporting and prompt tax payments, operators can benefit from a more favorable financial arrangement. This transparency will be further enforced by linking all machines to Colombia’s live monitoring system, SCLM+.
However, this offer comes with a firm warning. Failure to comply will trigger a punitive system, locking operators into a fixed, less advantageous tax rate. This penalty will be imposed if a MET fails to meet stringent certification standards, disrupts data transmission, or reveals discrepancies in inventory and record-keeping.
Should the punitive threshold be reached, a thorough review will be launched to investigate the irregularities. Scrutiny will focus on why machines aren’t connected to SCLM+, and any instances of zero reported profit or suspicious use of devices to offset deficits will invite rigorous enforcement action.
The nationwide cleanup of the MET framework is slated to take effect in March 2026, giving operators time to adapt to the new regulations. This represents a significant shift, signaling Colombia’s commitment to a more regulated and transparent future for its gambling industry.
