In declarations to the local press, the president of Colombia’s gaming regulators has confirmed that ETESA is to be disbanded or restructured. Gonzalo Gutiérrez said, “Before the end of the month we expect to have full details, whether a complete termination of our work or ETESA’s downsizing as an organization to take care of a simpler agenda and policies.” ETESA has been responsible for allocating funding from gaming taxes to the country’s Health and Welfare programmes.

Commenting that the imminent changes are to combat the accusations of illegality being made against the slots venues and casinos that are being operated without authorisation, Gutiérrez stated that in the case of ETESA being liquidated some officials would be transferred to the Colombian Customs and Excise department (DIAN) and others to Social Security.

The Government is apparently evaluating the possibility that the national police and local municipalities should control gambling and combat illegal activity. An interdepartmental team is studying the best way to proceed as the Colombian Government feels it will not be a step backwards to rethink gambling regulations in the country. (E-10.27.09)

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