Law 7438 represents a radical change in the regulation of games of chance in Paraguay. With this regulation, the monopoly that until now governed the exploitation of activities such as the 'quiniela" (kind of lottery) and sports betting is eliminated. Now, up to three licenses can be granted for each modality, promoting greater competition in the sector.
This change seeks to improve the quality of services, increase transparency in the operation of companies and guarantee that consumers can enjoy a more varied and reliable offer. By allowing the entry of new operators, the market is expected to become more dynamic and generate greater economic benefits for the country.
The enactment of Law 7438 also includes a significant change in the supervision of the sector. The National Commission on Gambling (Conajzar), which previously depended on the Ministry of Economy and Finance, will now be under the direction of the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT).
This transfer aims to optimize the collection and inspection processes, ensuring that the income generated by the sector is managed efficiently and transparently. Likewise, the DNIT will have greater resources and tools to guarantee compliance with the regulations, which will contribute to reducing informality in the market.
One of the most notable aspects of Law 7438 is its focus on combating illegal activities related to gambling. The regulations establish severe sanctions for those who operate clandestinely, including sentences of up to five years in prison.
In addition, technologies will be implemented to block internet signals used by illegal gambling platforms, a key measure to limit access to these activities and especially protect minors.
With this reform, Paraguay seeks not only to strengthen its gambling industry, but also to ensure that the resources generated contribute to the development of the country. Income from licenses and tax collection will be allocated to social, educational and infrastructure projects, benefiting the entire population.
Likewise, the opening of the market will allow the creation of new jobs and attract foreign investment, consolidating Paraguay as an attractive destination for regulated gambling operators.
Law 7438 marks a before and after in the gambling sector in Paraguay. With stricter regulation, a focus on transparency and concrete measures to combat illegality, the country takes a significant step towards the modernization of this industry.
The success of this initiative will depend largely on the collaboration between the authorities, licensed operators and citizens, who will play a fundamental role in building a competitive, safe and beneficial market for all.
Sports betting can also be exploited by three companies after the enactment, but the main problem is that Daruma SAM-Apostala has the license until 2028. This situation forces Conajzar to analyze with a technical-legal team the mechanisms to be taken into account for a new tender.
The president of Conajzar, Carlos Liseras, explained to LPO that the legislation will "substantially improve" the frontal fight against the clandestine exploitation of games of chance. However, the license that Daruma SAM has until 2028 is the main "headache" for the institution, since the norm was born to open the competition.
"Indeed, the Daruma SAM firm has the license until 2028. The technical-legal team is studying the actions to be implemented after this enactment," he said.
Sports betting is a very attractive sector for entrepreneurs due to the high volume of money it moves. So much so that after learning of the intention to end the monopoly in the exploitation of the service, several companies are signing up to compete with Daruma SAM.
"There are several national and foreign companies interested in the exploitation of sports betting. Regarding the quiniela, in a few days we will be publishing the call for tenders to award three licenses," said the president of Conajzar.
Daruma SAM SA, for the Apostala brand, has the exclusive exploitation of the sports betting sector in Paraguay until 2028. At the time, BGaming, Gambling and Playtech also presented themselves, but Daruma SAM was awarded again, since the other bidders, in theory, did not comply with the requirements stipulated in the terms and conditions.
Source: GMB
