Codere has become the latest operator to launch an online betting website in Colombia

Codere has become the latest operator to launch an online betting website in Colombia after obtaining a licence from national regulator Coljuegos.

The licence will run for a five-year period and cover sports betting online, via mobile and various face-to-face channels.

Codere will operate in Colombia through its ‘Codere Apuestas’ brand, which, as a result, will expand its current service offering from game rooms, bingo halls and casinos in the country.

Confirmation of the launch comes after Codere was earlier this month reported to have picked up a licence in the expanding Colombia online gaming market.

In October 2016, Colombia became the first jurisdiction in Latin America to formally approve online gambling, and regulator Coljuegos has issued a number of licences in recent months to allow companies to offer services legally.

Wplay.co picked up the first licence under new national laws in the country back in June and has since struck up a partnership with Quickfire to offer a selection of content from Microgaming.

Corredor Empresarial has also rolled out Betplay.com.co, while GAMING1 and Vicca Group have launched Zamba.co, while domestic operator Colbet last month acquired its own online gambling licence.

Gaming media reported the Codere launch comes after Coljuegos president Juan B. Perez Hidalgo stated that the regulator expects to award “at least two more” online licences before the end of the year.

Coljuegos also recently announced that it is to allow licensed operators to offer live online casino and share global liquidityfor online poker and exchange betting.