The country may break up its monopoly and allow other iGaming operators to enter
Paraguay has become the latest Latin American nation to explore significant updates to its gaming laws, signaling a possible move toward expanding and liberalizing its gambling market. Recent proposals aim to reform Law No. 1,016/1997, which currently mandates that national gambling activities be managed exclusively through public tenders. The proposed changes could open up new opportunities for private operators in the market, enhancing competition and introducing a more contemporary approach to gambling regulation.
The initiative, supported by Paraguay’s Minister of Finance Carlos Fernandez Valdovinos and President Santiago Peña, centers on modernizing the country’s gaming regulatory body, Conajzar. Established under the existing law, Conajzar oversees all gambling activities but could soon see its role strengthened under the administration of the National Tax Revenue Directorate (DNIT). This shift would grant Conajzar expanded regulatory power, potentially making it a more effective and streamlined institution, better equipped to respond to the evolving gaming landscape in Paraguay.
A significant element of the proposed legislation is the elimination of longstanding monopolies that have dominated Paraguay’s gambling sector. Under the current law, exclusive franchises are granted for specific types of betting, such as sports and lottery games, restricting market entry. If the new framework is approved, private companies could operate without needing to secure exclusive tenders, allowing more competition and investment within the country’s gaming sector.
Supporters of the initiative argue that the changes would not only modernize the industry but also address recent social and economic shifts. Paraguay’s growing economy and expanding digital landscape have increased public interest in diverse gambling options, pushing the government to reconsider its approach to gaming regulation. The proposal emphasizes that a modernized Conajzar could help the country respond more effectively to these shifts, fostering a safer, more transparent, and more accessible market.
Paraguay’s proposal reflects a broader trend in LatAm, where countries such as Brazil and Argentina have also explored regulatory changes to adapt to new gambling demands. Should these reforms be implemented, Paraguay may open the door to a more dynamic and competitive gambling environment.
