Interactive
Colombia – Coljuegos grants eighth online gaming licence to Luckia
By Phil - 27 February 2018
Gaming regulator Coljuegos has granted another company permission to operate online gaming in Colombia to Spanish operator Luckia, taking the total number of licences to eight.
Head of Luckia in Colombia, Lina Gallego, said that its track record in the industry ensured a bright future for the company in Colombia. “Supported by more than forty years of experience, Luckia has consolidated itself in Europe as one of the leaders in the market for betting and casino gaming.” She added that “Now is the time to respond to the needs of the demanding Colombian market with a competitive product that meets the needs of the country.”
In a press release Coljuegos, explained that the contract is valid for five-years and the estimated value of the contract is worth approximately US$3,800,000m.
Head of Coljuegos Juan B. Pérez Hidalgo said: “More and more we are seeing that businesses have higher expectations in the online gaming market in Colombia with a regulation which allows those who meet the legal, technical and financial requirements established by Coljuegos, which opens up opportunities in the industry, generating larger resources for the health of Colombians and widening the portfolio of games and technologies to players in legal gambling.”
Marcelo Ruiz, Operations Director of Luckia said: “Arriving in Colombia is a great opportunity for the company. We want to respond to local demand by adapting and offering a competitive service with the best benefits.”
Luckia gaming group is one of the most successful online and retail sports betting operators in Spain. The company was first established in 1972, with the management of jukeboxes and recreational machines in hospitality establishments. Today the company operates a sports and amusement company that engages in the operation of betting, gaming, and sports betting premises and facilities and owns and operates casinos in Eastern Europe and South America as well as developing and managing integral entertainment resorts.
Luckia, is currently executing an ambitious strategic plan with a strong digital focus. The company is present in Spain, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Portugal, Croatia and Malta and in the year 2021, the company expects to operate in as many as twelve countries.
Online gaming laws in Colombia began to be tightened after legislation was passed in 2016. According to new regulations, operators granted a licence must adhere to a number of strict obligations and meet the technical requirements as per the terms granted to it by the state. Meanwhile, Coljuegos with the help of the National Police has continued to manage the blocking of unauthorised web pages.
In January, Hidalgo announced plans to grant as many as 20 new online gambling licences in Colombia this year. According to the head of the gaming board, many foreign companies have shown their interest in investing in Colombia now that Colombia has updated and tightened its online gaming laws.
