Colombian President Renews Push for Higher Taxes on Gambling Operators

^{Pictured: Gustavo Petro, Colombian President}

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has reiterated his call for increased taxes on gambling operators, according to La Republica.

Earlier, Colombia’s Congress rejected the proposed 2025 budget, which included tax hikes targeting the gaming industry. While the measure had Petro’s backing, it failed to gain sufficient support in the country’s legislature.

“Certain politicians, in alliance with online gambling operators, derailed this initiative, undermining not just the broader public interest but also the business community,” Petro stated.

The president also criticized the gambling sector, claiming that a significant portion of operators evade paying taxes. Petro had previously instructed law enforcement to intensify scrutiny of individuals and entities suspected of tax evasion.