In a significant move for Colombia’s gambling industry, Coljuegos, the national gambling authority, has granted a concession to operate Keno, marking the introduction of one of the first blockchain-supported lottery games in Latin America. This innovative offering is anticipated to boost public healthcare funding by over COP 485 billion (approximately $125 million) during the next five years, while simultaneously advancing the country’s gambling sector.
The expected financial impact of Keno is considerable. With the game’s availability extending across all of Colombia’s 32 departments, market studies referenced by Coljuegos predict that total sales could surpass COP 2.3 trillion (around $587 million) over the coming five years. The blockchain-based system employed will enhance transparency, bolster traceability, and significantly reduce fraud risks.
Keno’s gameplay involves selecting 10 numbers from a pool of 1 to 80, which are then matched against 20 numbers drawn randomly by an independent Random Number Generator. The number of matches determines the winnings, with payouts varying based on the initial wager. Players can bet between COP 1,000 ($0.26) and COP 20,000 ($5.10), aiming for a maximum prize of COP 1.68 billion ($428,500).
To engage a broad audience, draws will occur every day at intervals of 6 to 10 minutes, resulting in 144 to 240 draws daily. Outcomes will be disseminated through digital platforms such as YouTube and the game’s official websites. Players can participate via physical locations or online through authorized digital channels, with Coljuegos planning to set up more than 16,000 sales points nationwide.
Gambling continues to be a substantial economic force in Colombia. Coljuegos president Marco Emilio Hincapié noted that the Keno concession resulted from a competitive bidding process, which was open to all interested operators. He highlighted the game’s introduction as a pivotal development for Colombia’s gaming industry, emphasizing a focus on innovation and modernization. Hincapié explained that this new product should help divert users from unregulated markets to lawful options.
The awarded gaming concession followed a transparent procedure, open to participation by all interested parties. Operators are allotted a four-month pre-launch period to develop infrastructure and align with required security and technical standards, with the official launch slated for January 2026. This move is a testament to Coljuegos’ commitment to maintaining rigorous regulation while promoting adaptability and innovation in Colombia’s gambling scene.
As Hincapié put it, the goal is to expand the gambling offerings and solidify the gaming sector as a core component of the national economy. The advent of Keno coincides with heightened regulatory scrutiny of the online betting environment in Colombia. Recently, Coljuegos mandated internet service providers to block access to the prediction market platform Polymarket, citing unauthorized political betting and cryptocurrency-based wagers. The authority has been firm in its stance that all forms of betting must receive official approval.
Yet, not all are in agreement with the path being taken. Critics argue that while the introduction of Keno is a step forward technologically, there are concerns about the social implications of expanding gambling opportunities. Skeptics worry about the potential increase in problem gambling and suggest that the focus should perhaps be more on responsible gaming measures rather than merely expanding access and variety.
In another viewpoint, some economic analysts point out that the predicted revenue from Keno could be overly optimistic, considering the competition not only from existing gambling options within Colombia but also from international online platforms that might still attract Colombian users despite efforts to block unauthorized sites. They argue that while blockchain technology offers transparency, it doesn’t inherently drive player interest or participation, which is crucial for reaching the projected revenue figures.
These differing perspectives highlight the complex nature of balancing economic growth with social responsibility. As Colombia embarks on this new venture with Keno, the outcome will inevitably serve as a case study for other Latin American countries considering similar initiatives. Whether Keno will fulfill its promise of enhancing the national economy and curbing the black market remains to be seen, but for now, it’s undeniably a bold step into a new era of digital gambling.
David Garato is a luminary in gaming journalism, renowned for peeling back the curtain on the gaming world with his witty and insightful commentary. A decade into weaving stories from the pixelated edges of indie games to the expansive universes of AAA titles, David’s work is a thrilling blend of analysis and adventure. When not writing, he’s live-streaming, sharing his gaming exploits with an engaged and growing audience. David doesn’t just write about games; he lives them, making him a trusted guide in the gaming community.
