Law enforcement officials in Colombia, including the gaming oversight agency Coljuegos and the National Police, carried out surprise inspections in Bogotá and Montería, targeting illicit gambling operations. They confiscated more than 270 pieces of illegal gambling equipment, valued at a staggering 71.1 billion Colombian pesos (approximately £1.3 million).
The raids in Bogotá focused on various neighborhoods, resulting in the seizure of nearly 60 billion Colombian pesos in illegal gambling earnings and over 200 gambling machines. In Montería, authorities conducted inspections at 15 locations, seizing 50 electronic slot machines and 12.2 billion Colombian pesos in illicit funds.
According to Colombian law, each illegal electronic slot machine faces a substantial fine of 72.6 million Colombian pesos. Other illicit gambling activities, including establishments, sales points, and suppliers, will be penalized with a fine of 272.5 million Colombian pesos.
These establishments will also be prohibited from operating as gambling venues for a period of five years, and those responsible could face imprisonment for a term of six to eight years.
This recent crackdown follows a similar operation in August, where Coljuegos confiscated 139 gaming devices from seven unlicensed gambling venues in Manizales.