Colombia’s Contribution to Health Sector through Gambling
The gambling industry in Colombia has made a significant contribution to the country’s health sector, according to Coljuegos, the regulatory body for gambling in Colombia. Since January, the industry has contributed nearly COP397 billion ($94.8 million) to the health sector, marking a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Coljuegos President Marco Emilio Hincapié Ramírez aims to see a total contribution of COP470 billion by the end of 2024. This contribution has benefited around 316,000 Colombians through local and departmental health funds.
Hincapié attributes this increase in transfers to various strategies implemented by the National Council of Games of Chance and Luck, such as authorizing the use of foreign lottery results and the capitalization of lotteries. These actions have helped boost the industry and its contribution to the health sector significantly.
Flutter’s Expansion in Brazil Market
Flutter, a prominent player in the gambling industry, recently acquired Betnacional parent NSX Group, positioning itself as one of the top three betting companies in Brazil with an 11 percent market share. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in Q2 2025, enabling Flutter to establish a new business entity, “Flutter Brazil,” which will include its existing Betfair brand.
During the Capital Markets Day presentation, Flutter revealed that the combination of Betfair and NSX Group’s brands has secured the third position in Brazil in terms of revenue for 2023. This strategic move by Flutter demonstrates its confidence in the Brazilian market and its commitment to expanding its presence in the region.
Brazil’s Tourism Sector and Land-Based Gambling
Brazil’s tourism minister, Celso Sabino, sees the legalization of land-based gambling as a potential opportunity to enhance the nation’s tourism sector. The pending legislation, PL 2,234/2022, includes provisions for legalizing various forms of land-based gambling, such as casinos, bingo, and horseracing betting. While the senate is yet to vote on the bill, Sabino believes that legalizing land-based gambling could stimulate economic growth in Brazil’s smaller tourist destinations by diversifying its tourism offerings.
By decentralizing tourism away from the main resorts, Brazil could attract more visitors and revitalize its tourism sector. The comparison to the Dominican Republic, which has achieved significant tourism numbers despite its smaller landmass, highlights the potential benefits of expanding gambling opportunities in Brazil.
GSS’s Partnership with OpenBet for New Brazil Brand
Grupo Silvio Santos (GSS) has announced a strategic partnership with OpenBet to launch its new gambling brand, Todos Querem Jogar. This collaboration will leverage OpenBet’s comprehensive betting ecosystem, including player account management, responsible gambling technology, and managed trading services.
GSS’s application for a license for Todos Querem Jogar was submitted during the preference window and is expected to be processed ahead of the official online market launch on January 1, 2025. By partnering with OpenBet, GSS aims to prioritize player protection and establish itself as a leading player in the Brazilian gambling market.
Pix Gambling Transfers Surge in Brazil
Central Bank of Brazil President Roberto Campos Neto revealed a significant increase in betting transfers using Pix, an instant payment service controlled by the Central Bank. Since January, Pix transfers for gambling have surged by 200 percent, indicating the growing popularity of the payment method within the industry.
Campos Neto emphasized the potential fiscal impacts of this surge in Pix transactions for gambling and highlighted the government’s efforts to combat illegal gambling. Transactions made via Pix to unlicensed operators are set to be prohibited as part of the government’s regulatory measures to ensure a safe and transparent gambling environment in Brazil.
