Colombia has brought in new rules that change how gambling operators are taxed on player bonuses. This update follows the recent introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on gambling deposits. 

The new measures will make tax collection more balanced and stop operators from using bonus offers to avoid paying full taxes.

New VAT Rules for Bonus Offers

Earlier this year, in February 2025, the Colombian Government added VAT to gambling deposits. Now, the national gambling regulator, Coljuegos, has announced an additional rule that affects how operators handle bonuses.

Under the new rule, companies that give players playable bonus credits must pay VAT if those bonuses are worth less than 1.6% of their total monthly income. This means that any operator offering smaller or average-sized bonuses will need to include VAT in their tax payments.

There is an exception to the rule. If an operator offers bonuses that are higher than the average amount they paid in exploitation rights over the last year, they will not need to pay VAT on those bonuses. New operators also get a lower starting limit in their first year, giving them time to adjust to the tax rules before paying the full amount.

Operators Face Penalties for Non-Compliance

Coljuegos has made it clear that any company that does not follow these new tax measures will face penalties. The regulator said that this step is important to stop gambling operators from using promotional offers to avoid paying VAT.

According to Coljuegos, the main purpose of this law is to keep the country’s gambling tax income stable while also encouraging fair business practices. The new measures are part of a larger effort by the regulator to create a more transparent and responsible gambling industry in Colombia.

Strengthening Regulation and Combating Illegal Gambling

Coljuegos is also taking more steps to improve gambling rules in Colombia. Last week, the regulator made a deal with Valle del Cauca authorities to help stop illegal gambling. Earlier this month, the government also gave approval for Keno games to run legally in four regions, including Bogotá. This shows that the legal gambling market is growing while still staying under strict control.

Coljuegos has also been enforcing its laws in the land-based gambling sector. Recently, the regulator seized 569 illegal gambling items from unlicensed operators across different parts of the country, improving safety for players nationwide.

With these new laws and actions, Colombia continues to show its commitment to regulating its gambling industry, collecting fair taxes, and preventing illegal activities. The new tax rules on player bonuses are expected to help balance the system and ensure that all operators contribute their fair share to the country’s economy.