In a big transfer that can reshape the nation’s playing panorama, Paraguay has enacted Law No. 7348/2025, which amends the prevailing playing legal guidelines and opens the door to non-public operators.
Signed into legislation on May 7, 2025, the brand new laws are a pivotal step in the direction of ending Paraguay’s state-run playing monopoly, which had restricted market entry to public tender processes for the reason that authentic legislation was handed in 1997.
Major Step Towards Gambling Market Liberalization
The modifications had been accredited by the Chamber of Deputies in late 2024, and the ultimate passage of the invoice represents a significant shift in the best way playing is managed in Paraguay. The new legislation gives a modernized framework designed to enhance transparency, effectivity, and regulation of the sector, with a give attention to attracting non-public funding whereas making certain higher oversight.
Carlos Liseras, President of the National Gaming Commission (Conajzar), expressed optimism in regards to the legislation’s potential to improve tax revenues, predicting that state contributions from playing may rise considerably, far exceeding present expectations.
In truth, Paraguay noticed a document PYG175.8 billion ($21.9 million) in tax income from playing in 2024, and Liseras anticipates that this determine may double or extra, because the legislation provides Conajzar the instruments wanted to fight unlawful playing and tax evasion extra successfully.
New Law Provides Legal Clarity and Investor Protection
The landmark legislation clarifies the position of Conajzar in overseeing the playing sector, with expanded duties beneath the jurisdiction of the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT). The National Gaming Commission will now find a way to approve new forms of playing, challenge licenses, and implement laws at nationwide, departmental, and municipal ranges.
This framework is designed to foster competitors by permitting non-public operators to enter the market, a big shift from the outdated system, the place playing was managed solely via public tenders. Conajzar President Carlos Liseras defined that the brand new regulation goals not solely to encourage international funding but additionally to defend each native and worldwide gamers.
“In addition to the fact that Paraguay has a law on the demonopolization of gambling, the tax burden is the lowest in the region, and Paraguay has become an important country for visiting,” Liseras acknowledged.
Moreover, the reforms are supposed to safeguard minors from the dangerous results of unlawful playing, which has been a rising concern lately. Under the brand new regulatory system, operators should meet stringent necessities, together with applicable expertise in playing, enough monetary backing, and clear authorized information.
These measures will be certain that solely accountable and compliant companies function in Paraguay’s playing market.
Economic Growth and Competitive Gambling Landscape
The reform is anticipated to result in vital financial and social advantages, notably by way of job creation and international funding. By dismantling the monopoly, Paraguay has opened up alternatives for personal firms, which is able to carry extra selection and selection to the playing market.
Liseras emphasised that these reforms would enable staff, equivalent to lottery brokers, to select amongst competing operators, thereby enhancing the job market’s competitiveness and attractiveness.
The new legislation additionally mandates that each one playing institutions be positioned no less than 200 meters away from instructional establishments, equivalent to colleges and universities, to defend younger individuals from publicity to playing. Additionally, gaming gear should adjust to technical specs and endure certification by accredited inspection entities to guarantee equity and security.
As Paraguay enters a brand new period of liberalized playing, Liseras believes that the nation is poised to turn out to be an much more engaging vacation spot for funding, with an environment friendly regulatory system and promising development potential. The reforms, he says, is not going to solely improve the nation’s financial outlook but additionally present a stable basis for a aggressive and honest playing market.
Source:
”Paraguay enacts landmark regulation to eliminate gambling monopoly”, igamingbusiness.com, May 9, 2025.