paraguay

Paraguay-Chamber-of-Deputies-passes-bill-to-end-to-gambling-monopoly In a pivotal step towards modernizing its gambling sector, the Paraguay Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill that marks the end of the country’s state-run gambling monopoly. The reform, passed on December 17, 2024, introduces sweeping changes aimed at liberalizing the market, allowing private operators to enter the industry for the first time.

Dismantling the Monopoly

Under the newly passed bill, Paraguay will finally dismantle its restrictive gambling monopoly, which had limited operations to public tenders only. This change opens the door to private companies, paving the way for more competition and variety within the country’s gambling market. The approved amendments to Law No. 1,016/1997 signal Paraguay’s shift towards a more modernized approach to gambling, one that aligns with global industry trends.

For years, the country’s gambling activities had been regulated under a public monopoly system. However, the newly passed reforms will allow private businesses to enter the market, fueling competition and economic diversification. These changes are expected to benefit both consumers and the overall economy, with the government anticipating an increase in tax revenue from the sector.

Strengthening Regulatory Framework

One of the central aspects of the reform is the restructuring of the National Commission of Gambling (Conajzar). The bill places Conajzar under the supervision of the National Tax Revenue Directorate (DNIT), a move that’s expected to improve the regulatory oversight and revenue collection processes within the gambling sector. By streamlining the commission’s operations under DNIT, the government aims to bolster institutional efficiency and ensure better compliance with the new regulations.

The newly restructured Conajzar will have expanded responsibilities, with its general director overseeing all gambling-related activities, including regulation, coordination, and enforcement across the country.

A Shift in Paraguay’s Economic Landscape

The bill’s approval is part of a broader effort to modernize Paraguay’s economic policies in response to changing global trends. The country has witnessed considerable social and economic shifts in recent years, with technological advancements and evolving market conditions influencing the gambling industry. By opening the gambling sector to private operators, the government hopes to foster economic growth, attract foreign investment, and improve the competitive landscape.

The new law aims to optimizeParaguay’s gambling industry, ensuring that it can keep pace with technological changes and meet the growing demand for a more diverse range of gambling products and services.

Lawmakers React to the Bill

The reform has not been without controversy. While many lawmakers expressed support for the bill, there were some dissenting opinions regarding certain changes, particularly the amendments to Article 20. Deputy Adrián Vaesken (PLRA-Central) and Deputy Rocío Vallejo (PPQ-Capital) voiced their opposition to the changes, suggesting that some parts of the bill needed further revision. However, Deputy Yamil Esgaib (ANR-Capital) strongly supported the reform, stressing that it would help increase the commission’s capacity to enforce regulations and oversee gambling activities effectively.

Following the debate, the bill was approved by the Chamber of Deputies and is now on its way to the executive branch for final approval. If enacted, the bill will fundamentally reshape Paraguay’s gambling sector and introduce significant changes to its economic structure.

What Lies Ahead for Paraguay’s Gambling Industry

This reform is expected to be a turning point for Paraguay’s gambling industry. With the end of the monopoly and the introduction of private operators, the country is poised to see increased competition, better services for players, and higher tax revenues. The restructured regulatory framework, under the oversight of DNIT, ensures that the market will be better managed and regulated moving forward.

The introduction of private operators in Paraguay’s gambling sector is part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic development and align with global trends in the gaming industry. With these changes, Paraguay is positioning itself as an increasingly competitive and dynamic player in the international gambling market.

Source:

Sancionan nuevo régimen jurídico para la explotación de los juegos de azar, Cámara de Diputados de Paraguay, December 17, 2024.

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paraguay_moves_to_end_gambling_monopoly_as_bill_to_amend_law_partially_approved Paraguay is taking a significant step toward transforming its gambling industry. In early November 2024, the government presented a bill that aims to amend the country’s gambling legislation (Law No 1,016/1997) and liberalise the market by ending the current monopoly on gambling operations. This initiative, championed by the government’s executive branch, has now been partially approved by the Chamber of Deputies and will move forward to the Senate for final approval.

Key Points of the Bill

The primary objective of the bill is to open up the gambling market to private companies, moving away from the exclusive public tender system that currently governs the industry. Under the new framework, operators will no longer be required to secure gambling rights through tenders. Instead, they will be able to enter the market more freely, fostering competition and allowing for a greater number of stakeholders to operate within the gambling sector.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the strengthening of the National Commission of Gambling (Conajzar), which will be placed under the National Tax Revenue Directorate (DNIT). This move is designed to improve the regulation and oversight of the sector, while also boosting the country’s ability to collect taxes from gambling operations.

Carlos Liseras, President of Conajzar, has expressed optimism about the bill, stating that the liberalisation of the gambling market will lead to enhanced tax contributions for the government, better competitiveness, and more opportunities for both operators and workers in the industry.

Economic and Social Implications

The bill comes at a time of significant social and economic change in Paraguay, with the country’s market undergoing rapid development. As noted by Liseras, technological and economic advancements have spurred the growth of new types of gambling, as well as an increasing number of both providers and users.

Paraguay’s shift toward a more competitive gambling environment reflects the broader economic policy changes under the current government, which came into power in August 2023. The bill is expected to attract more international investments, creating new job opportunities and contributing to the growth of the Paraguayan economy. The competition introduced by the bill will allow workers, such as lottery brokers, to have a choice in selecting which companies to work with, thereby promoting a healthier job market.

Deputy Billy Vaesken, who supported the bill, emphasized that the legislation would create more opportunities within the gambling sector and lead to a more dynamic and diverse market. He explained that greater competition would enable different companies to offer a variety of games of chance, including lotteries, benefiting both workers and consumers.

What’s Next?

The bill has been approved by the Chamber of Deputies and will now be reviewed by the Senate. If approved, the changes could signal a new era for Paraguay’s gambling industry, promoting growth, competition, and innovation. The government hopes that this shift will lead to increased foreign investment, more jobs, and better working conditions in the sector, making it a significant driver for the Paraguayan economy in the coming years.

Source:

“Diputados aprueban eliminar monopolio de juegos de azar”, abc.com.py, November 26, 2024.

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Paraguay Moves to Open Gambling Market with New Bill