Coljuegos sets out regulations for live dealer launch

Colombian gambling regulator Coljuegos has published regulations governing the launch of live dealer online casino games in the country, having approved the legalisation of the vertical in April.

Having carried out an impact assessment of the launch, Coljuegos concluded that there was little crossover between land-based and online players, meaning the rollout would have little impact on brick-and-mortar casinos.

The regulator first announced that licensees would soon be able to offer live dealer casino in April, days before it officially signed the decree into law.

While there had been some opposition to the launch of live dealer from the land-based sector, the regulator argued that it would instead drive visitation to physical properties.

Furthermore, land-based casinos will be permitted to stream games such as roulette and blackjack live from their gaming floors in partnership with online operators though in-venue customers will not be permitted to play alongside online gamblers. Venues that do not have any table games, such as gaming halls, will also be able to offer live dealer content via terminals.

With the country's lockdown, enforced as a result of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) extended, live dealer would drive revenue for Colombia’s igaming licensees, Coljuegos added. At a time when revenue has fallen due to the suspension of all major sporting competitions, this would ensure the sector was able to generate funding for the country’s public health system.

Providers may broadcast games from foreign jurisdictions, provided their content meets technical specifications set by Coljuegos. Each title must be certified by a testing house, and ensure a return to player rate of 83% over each year.

The regulations, which modify the legislation that facilitated the launch of igaming in 2016, come into force once they are published in the government’s Official Gazette.