Gambling and Sports Betting in Colombia

Digital Platforms Dominate Sports Betting in Colombia

In Colombia, a significant majority of sports bettors prefer placing their wagers online or via mobile apps, with 81.3% opting for digital platforms over in-person betting at sportsbooks or casinos. This trend is complemented by a strong interest in sports betting-related content, as 62.7% of respondents express a preference for engaging with such material, including social media posts and articles about betting strategies.

Traditional Betting Still Holds Ground

When looking at the types of betting activities Colombians are involved in, a variety of options emerge. Over 45% of people have placed bets on sporting events online, through apps or at sportsbooks. Yet, traditional forms of betting are still prevalent. Approximately 41% have taken part in lotteries or games of chance, while 32% engage in friendly bets among friends, often around football or horse racing. Not far behind, 23.6% enjoy sit-down slot machines or gaming machines. Even less common activities like casino table games or betting on real-life events, such as political outcomes, remain part of the Colombian betting culture.

Betting Frequency Ranges from Daily to Once a Year

While a minority bet daily, about 26% place bets a few times a week, and roughly 31% do so a few times a month. On the other end of the spectrum, a small group of participants bet less than once a year, and a similar proportion bet only once a year. While some bettors are deeply immersed, others approach the activity more casually.

Winning Money Drives Betting Behavior

60.8% of bettors say the desire to win money keeps them coming back, but there’s more to it. In fact, about 37.9% of bettors enjoy the excitement and experience of placing bets, while some others say that betting enhances their enjoyment of watching or following a game.

Real-Time Betting Drives Future Engagement

And as the industry continues to evolve, so do the expectations of bettors. A strong majority wants to be able to bet on sports in real time, as they watch the action unfold. While the landscape is diverse, with various betting activities and motivations at play, one thing is clear that sports betting in Colombia is driven by a complex mix of financial reward, excitement, and personal engagement with the games themselves.