Paraguay Approves Bill to End Gambling Monopoly and Open Market
Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies has passed a landmark bill to abolish the country’s gambling monopoly, allowing private operators to enter the industry. The legislation aims to modernise the gambling sector, enhance regulation, and boost tax revenues.
During an extraordinary session on Tuesday, December 17, the Chamber of Deputies approved amendments to Law No. 1,016/1997. The changes signal the end of the existing monopoly system, where national games of chance were exclusively handled through public tenders.
Key updates include empowering the National Commission of Gambling (Conajzar) by placing it under the National Tax Revenue Directorate (DNIT). This adjustment is intended to streamline revenue collection and improve institutional efficiency.
A statement from the Chamber emphasised the bill’s focus on tightening regulations and increasing contributions from the gambling sector to Paraguay’s tax base.
Future Impacts:
The liberalisation will enable private operators to compete directly in the market, bypassing the previously mandatory government tender process. Conajzar’s president, Carlos Liseras, has expressed optimism about the reform. “This is a fundamental step to democratise the market and allow greater competitiveness, which will benefit both operators and the state,” Liseras said in a statement.
The new framework assigns Conajzar the responsibility for overseeing all gambling operations in Paraguay, ensuring market control and supervision. These regulatory advancements align with the government’s economic agenda introduced in August 2023.
The legislation also acknowledges the impact of technological advancements and shifts in user demand, citing a rise in new forms of gambling and an increase in service providers.
With the executive branch now set to review the bill, Paraguay edges closer to transforming its gambling sector. If approved, the reforms promise to foster market competition, modernise the industry, and strengthen the country’s tax revenue.
