Norte de Santander: Gaming contributed COP 1T to health and peace
The gaming sector in Norte de Santander has generated nearly $900 billion in VAT allocated to peace in Catatumbo, in addition to $46.067 billion transferred to health from exploitation rights. Coljuegos and the Cúcuta Chamber of Commerce signed a pact to strengthen legality and combat illegal gambling in the region.
Historic contributions for health and peace in the region
The games of chance sector continues to consolidate itself as one of the main sources of public resources in Norte de Santander. According to Coljuegos, online operators have contributed around $900 billion in VAT, funds directed to peace programs in the Catatumbo region. Added to this are $46.067 billion transferred to the health system from exploitation rights.
“Norte de Santander is one of the departments most benefited by the industry. Within the framework of the internal commotion decree, this region has received resources from both VAT and monopoly revenues,” said Marco Emilio Hincapié, president of Coljuegos.
Coljuegos and the Chamber of Commerce seal a pact for legality
The statements were made during the signing of the Pact for Legality between Coljuegos and the Cúcuta Chamber of Commerce, an agreement that seeks to reinforce the fight against illegal gambling in the department.
“With this pact we want to coordinate efforts to confront criminal structures that operate unauthorized games. Our goal is to protect the resources allocated to peace and health for the people of Norte de Santander,” added Hincapié.
Controls, seizures, and business strengthening
Coljuegos reported that, so far this year, in Norte de Santander there have been 30 control actions, with the seizure of 331 illegal gaming items, including:
- electronic slot machines,
- internet betting modules,
- bingo chairs, among others.
For the Cúcuta Chamber of Commerce, this pact also represents an opportunity to regulate commercial activity and prevent illicit practices.
“We are sending a clear message to merchants: operating illegal games puts the formal economy at risk. This agreement allows us to strengthen competitiveness and legality in the region,” emphasized Sergio Hernando Castillo, executive president of the entity.
Authorized offer in the region
Currently, Norte de Santander has:
- 62 authorized establishments,
- 3,401 slot machines,
- 200 enabled bingo chairs.
These elements form a regulated infrastructure that continues to contribute key resources to the department.
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