Legislative process begins for an independent gambling regulator in Paraguay

The Paraguayan Senate has begun debating the bill submitted by the government. Under the bill, the Dirección Nacional de Juegos de Azar (DINAJZAR) would be established in place of the current CONAJZAR. The new body would have greater institutional and budgetary autonomy than the regulator that operates under the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT).

The bill has 72 articles and introduces a new legal framework by repealing laws 1.016/1997 and 7.438/2025. At the joint committee meeting on October 26, lawmakers, government officials and sector representatives discussed strengthening regulatory capacity and fighting illegal gambling.

Senator Luis Pettengill said CONAJZAR has only 12 employees responsible for oversight across the country. Pettengill also noted that controls over minors' access to gambling are inadequate. CONAJZAR President Carlos Liseras said the sector's monthly revenue has risen from 12 billion guaranis to 21 billion guaranis, and argued that the new structure would provide the resources and powers needed for oversight.

Under the bill, DINAJZAR would have its own budget, although its relationship with the government would run through the Ministry of Economy and Finance. 5 percent of the relevant gambling revenue would be allocated to the new institution's operating budget. Operating an illegal gambling business could become a crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Online gambling would move to a new licensing system, with 26 licenses to be awarded through competitive tender. A national registry would also be created for individuals involved in promoting gambling, including influencers, and for companies supplying equipment and software. A new unit would also be established to combat gambling addiction and promote responsible gambling.