Paraguay Chamber of Deputies passes bill to end to gambling monopoly

On Tuesday (17 December), a second extraordinary session of the Chamber of Deputies in Paraguay approved a number of final amendments to the nation’s existing gambling legislation (Law No 1,016/1997).

The approved bill includes the end of Paraguay’s gambling monopoly, with legislation previously stating the “exploitation of national games of chance will be carried out exclusively by public tender”.

The amendments sought to enhance the powers of the National Commission of Gambling (Conajzar) by placing it under the government’s National Tax Revenue Directorate (DNIT).

“The legislation focuses on modernising and tightening regulation of the sector, with the aim of increasing tax revenues generated by gambling,” a press release from the Chamber of Deputies read.

The bill will now go to the Executive branch of the Paraguay government for final approval.

Greater tax contributions from Paraguay gambling

The approved amendments will pave the way for private operators to enter the industry in Paraguay, rather than being forced to gain access through the previous government tender process.

Carlos Liseras, the president of Conajzar, previously said he expects the liberalisation of the gambling market to increase the sector’s tax contributions.

In quotes shared by G&M News, Liseras said: “It is a fundamental step to democratise the market and allow greater competitiveness, which will translate into benefits for both operators and the state.”

The placing of Conajzar under DNIT will allow for “institutional optimisation” by enhancing its ability to collect revenue.

Under the new regulations, the Conajzar general director will be tasked with overseeing gambling activities in Paraguay. This will include the coordination, development, control and supervision of the market.

This move aligns with the current government’s aims to improve the local economy. It is in line with the social and economic shifts that have occurred since it came into power in August 2023.

“Our country has witnessed marked economic and social changes, which has led to an exponential development of its markets and gambling has not been left behind by such dynamism,” the bill reads.

“Rather, it has been reached by technological and economic changes that have resulted in new types of gambling as well as in the number of providers and users of them.”