Colombia’s national gaming regulator, Coljuegos, has approved a concession for the introduction of Keno, a new lottery-style game designed to strengthen the nation’s health sector and advance technological transparency in the gaming industry. The initiative, projected to deliver COP485 billion (€107 million) in revenues over the next five years, aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance funding for subsidized healthcare while supporting growth in the regulated gaming market.
According to Coljuegos, the deployment of Keno marks a significant milestone for Colombia, as it will be among the first regulated gaming operations in Latin America to integrate blockchain technology in the issuance and tracking of tickets. The use of blockchain is intended to ensure full transparency, verifiable transactions, and improved security, thereby boosting player confidence and reducing the risk of fraud.
Transparent Concession and Regional Management
Coljuegos emphasized that the Keno concession was awarded through an open and competitive bidding process, designed to ensure transparency and fairness. The tender attracted several qualified participants, reflecting rising interest in Colombia’s regulated gaming sector. The authority confirmed that the adjudication process was inclusive, providing equal opportunity for multiple operators.
Ultimately, four regional operators were selected to oversee Keno’s implementation across Colombia’s 32 departments.
Region One, comprising Arauca, Casanare, Cauca, Chocó, Córdoba, Guainía, Guaviare, Nariño, Sucre, Valle del Cauca, Vaupés, and Vichada, will be managed by Operador Regional de Keno S.A.S.
Region Two, which includes San Andrés, Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, Guajira, Magdalena, and Norte de Santander, will be operated by Costa Operador Keno S.A.S.
Region Three, covering Antioquia, Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, and Santander, will be administered by Keno Región 3 S.A.S.
Region Four, which encompasses Amazonas, Bogotá, Boyacá, Caquetá, Cundinamarca, Huila, Meta, Putumayo, and Tolima, will fall under Blinkazar S.A.S.
Preparations and Rollout
Each of the selected operators is now entering a four-month preparation and training phase, during which operational infrastructure, personnel training, and compliance protocols will be finalized. The official launch of Keno sales is scheduled for January 2026, following this preparatory period.
#Noticias | El Keno será uno de los primeros juegos en Latinoamérica que contará con la tecnología Blockchain para la emisión de tiquetes, lo cual brindará mayor seguridad a los apostadores. 👉🏻 https://t.co/nPRAUwlVXa pic.twitter.com/EC59WDVy4L
— @ColjuegosCo (@ColjuegosCo) October 8, 2025
The rollout plan includes the installation of over 16,000 sales terminals nationwide, enabling widespread participation and convenience for players. This extensive distribution is expected to reinforce the role of the gaming sector in national economic development and job creation.
Gameplay and Frequency
Keno’s structure is based on a number selection format where players choose 10 numbers between 1 and 80, which are compared against 20 randomly drawn numbers in each round. Winnings will depend on the number of matching selections. Bets will range from COP1,000 (€0.22) to COP20,000 (€4.40), with a maximum prize reaching COP1.68 billion (€369,600).
Draws will be held every six to ten minutes, seven days a week, resulting in 144 to 240 rounds per day, depending on the operators’ schedules. To ensure public accessibility and transparency, results will be broadcast through digital channels, including YouTube and official websites.
Advancing Gaming Innovation and Public Welfare
Coljuegos stated that the introduction of Keno represents a modern approach to gaming regulation, combining technological innovation with social purpose. The blockchain integration ensures traceability and fairness, while the game’s design—featuring frequent draws and affordable entry—promises to attract strong public participation.
The regulator views this initiative as a means of linking entertainment with social benefit, with a substantial portion of revenues earmarked for healthcare programs. The model reflects Colombia’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation for public welfare and transparent governance in the gaming sector.
As preparations continue, market analysts anticipate high engagement levels driven by Keno’s dynamic structure and transparent framework. The launch is expected to set a precedent for future blockchain-enabled gaming solutions in Latin America, merging regulatory integrity with technological advancement to strengthen national development goals.
