RSI anticipates fiscal stability with new president in Colombia

Rush Street Interactive (RSI) is optimistic with the arrival of the new president of Colombia due to potential fiscal stability. Abelardo de la Espriella, a conservative and pro-business leader, took office on August 7, replacing Gustavo Petro. Petro had imposed a temporary tax that affected gaming operators. It is expected that the new president will fulfill his promises of tax reform.

Expectations of the sector with the new leadership

During an event organized by Oppenheimer, Kyle Sauers, president and CFO of RSI, expressed excitement about the opportunities that the new government could bring to the industry. Sauers highlighted that the De la Espriella administration could provide "much more certainty for us and investors" due to its pro-business approach.

In Colombia, where RSI operates RushBet, operators are waiting to see if the new government will eliminate a temporary 16% tax on income, imposed in March 2026, in addition to the 17% standard tax on gross gaming income.

Temporary taxes and their impact

The previous government of Petro implemented a 19% VAT on gaming deposits in 2025, a decision later suspended by the Constitutional Court. However, a temporary 16% tax on income has been established until the end of 2026. This, along with other taxes, means that the current effective rate is above 30%, a situation that RSI expects to change soon.

Growth of the online gaming market

RSI experienced a $7 million increase during two months of the first quarter of 2026, a period without the temporary taxes. Sauers anticipates that, with continued growth, this figure could be even larger in the future.

Colombia is primarily a sports-focused market, but online casinos have outpaced sports betting in recent quarters. RSI positions itself as the "second largest operator," with more than 25% of the market.

Future outlook

The Constitutional Court is reviewing emergency decrees and associated taxes, which could result in significant changes. "We would like to see stability in the fiscal structure in Colombia," Sauers indicated, highlighting the importance of fiscal certainty for operators and investors. The online market in Colombia generated GGR of €712 million in 2025, with 15 companies operating in the country, including BetPlay and Betano.

The new political environment could mean significant changes for the gaming industry in Colombia. Operators will closely monitor the new government's decisions and possible tax reforms.