Coljuegos Considers Temporary Measures for Operators Affected by Colombia Earthquake

After the earthquake in Colombia on August 10, the gambling regulator Coljuegos has initiated an institutional evaluation to look at the damage caused by the quake on gambling and betting activities in the affected zones.

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The regulator has also detected material damage to premises where it is selling localized gambling products, as well as disruptions to electricity, telecommunications and internet services. These circumstances may impact the real-time and online play of local, new and internet-based games, and the capacity of operators to fulfil regulatory reporting and payment requirements.

Temporary Measures Could Address Operational Disruptions

Coljuegos is focusing on a review of possible temporary solutions for impacted operators. Information transmission, deadlines for reporting, calculation and payment of exploitation rights, and administrative expenses will be discussed especially.

The assessment is guided by principles of effectiveness, speed, efficiency, coordination and good faith that are set by Article 209 of Colombia’s Constitution, the regulator said. It is also taking place in the framework of the authorities granted by Decree 4142 of 2011, Decree 1451 of 2015 and Law 643 of 2001.

No Waiver of Gambling-Related Payments

The measures that would be taken, if they are taken, would be temporary, Coljuegos emphasized, noting that they would not be considered a waiver, cancellation, or reduction of amounts due from operators. Rather, the goal should be to set reasonable and proportionate adjustments to regulatory requirements in the context of the unusual conditions brought on by the earthquake.

Moreover, the regulator stressed that any temporary flex would not alter the direction of the revenue from gambling. According to Article 336 of the Colombian Constitution, all gambling profits from the national monopoly will have to be dedicated exclusively to health care.

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Operators Can Report Damage and Disruptions

Coljuegos will formalize any measures in terms of the administrative acts and disseminate them via official channels. This is meant to ensure that operators have easy access to information regarding any changes in reporting, payment and compliance obligations due to the emergency.

The regulator is also continuing to have institutional contact to receive reports, operational information, questions and requests from affected operators. The assessment is underway and information provided by industry associations will be included.

Regulatory Response Focuses on Proportionality

The review follows a time of crisis for gambling operators in affected regions as they have infrastructure damage, disruptions to key services and so on. These disruptions can have a direct impact on businesses that rely on real-time data transmission and connectivity. These disruptions can have a direct impact on businesses that rely on real-time data transmission and connectivity.

Coljuegos is proposing temporary adjustments instead of permanent exemptions, in order to balance operational needs in times of emergency and the need to maintain the regulatory obligations and public revenues. All final actions will be dependent on the evaluation of the regulator and announced via formal administrative decisions.

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Source: SBC Noticias