In a significant milestone for Colombia’s gaming industry, Coljuegos—the national regulatory authority overseeing gambling activities—has officially granted a license for the operation of Keno, marking one of Latin America’s earliest ventures into blockchain-supported lottery-style games. Colombia Blockchain Keno
The Colombian government anticipates that this new initiative will contribute over COP 485 billion (approximately $125 million) to public healthcare funds over the next five years, while also invigorating the country’s gambling sector.
Keno, a popular draw-based game gaining international momentum, will soon be accessible across all 32 Colombian departments. According to research cited by Coljuegos, total sales could surpass COP 2.3 trillion (around $587 million) within five years. The game’s blockchain-enabled ticketing system aims to enhance transparency, improve traceability, and reduce the risk of fraud, marking a significant step toward modernizing the industry.
Players will select 10 numbers from a pool of 1 to 80, with the results determined by 20 randomly drawn balls generated independently by a Random Number Generator. Winnings will depend on how many numbers a player matches, with payout structures varying according to the initial wager. Bets will range from COP 1,000 ($0.26) to COP 20,000 ($5.10), with the maximum prize reaching COP 1.68 billion ($428,500). To maximize engagement, daily draws will occur at intervals of 6 to 10 minutes, resulting in between 144 and 240 rounds each day. Results will be publicly announced via digital channels such as YouTube and official websites. Participants will have the option to play at physical terminals or through authorized online platforms, with Coljuegos aiming to establish more than 16,000 sales points nationwide.
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Coljuegos President Marco Emilio Hincapié emphasized that the licensing process was transparent and competitive, involving multiple bidders. He highlighted that this move represents a pivotal step toward innovation and modernization within Colombia’s gaming landscape, encouraging a shift from black market operations to regulated offerings. The operators granted licenses will benefit from a four-month preparatory period to establish infrastructure and ensure compliance with security and technical standards, with the official launch expected in January 2026. This initiative underscores Coljuegos’ commitment to balancing effective oversight with the need for innovation, reinforcing the sector’s role as a vital pillar of the national economy.
The introduction of Keno coincides with a period of heightened regulatory scrutiny of Colombia’s online betting environment. Recently, Coljuegos ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, an online prediction market platform, citing concerns over unregulated political betting and cryptocurrency-based wagering. The authority has reiterated that all gambling activities must adhere to established regulatory frameworks, underscoring its determination to uphold the integrity of Colombia’s gaming industry. Colombia Blockchain Keno
