In Colombia, online operators’ revenues fell by 30% after the introduction of VAT on bets
According to Fecoljuegos (Colombian Federation of Gambling Entrepreneurs), the online sector’s GGR has fallen (https://www.portafolio.co/negocios/empresas/apuestas-en-linea-reportan-caida-del-30-en-ingresos-brutos-tras-nueva-carga-tributaria-627013) by 30% since the introduction of a 19% VAT on game account deposits in February 2025. Average player spending before the tax was $35-59 per month, with some operators reporting deposit drops of up to 50% in the first weeks after the reform. Of every $23.5 a player now has only $19.75 to bet. Also of particular concern is the growing exodus of users to the illegal market.
Many operators are temporarily picking up some of the VAT and offering promotions to retain customers, but Fecoljuegos president Evert Montero warns that this strategy may not be a long-term solution
