Zona de Azar Paraguay – Paraguay: New Law Will Modernize State Control of Gambling

Paraguay.- November 12, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com The Executive Branch has presented a bill to the Chamber of Deputies to update Law No. 1016/1997, which regulates gambling in Paraguay. The proposal aims to optimize revenue collection and strengthen the National Gambling Commission (Conajzar) by granting it greater supervisory powers.

The document submitted to Congress outlines the need to modernize the current regulatory framework. It suggests that these changes will allow Conajzar to integrate its operations with the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT), providing it with a more efficient mechanism for enforcing resolutions and facilitating industry oversight.

With this integration with the DNIT, the Government hopes to leverage the tax collection expertise of this institution. The proposal also emphasizes the importance of enhancing Conajzar’s tools, a body that, until now, has faced limitations in enforcing its resolutions and ensuring legal compliance within the gambling sector.

One of the most significant changes is the opening of the gambling market. The initiative removes monopolies, fostering competition and allowing new operators to participate at the national, departmental, and municipal levels. With this measure, the Executive hopes the market will become more dynamic and aligned with technological advances in the industry.

In addition to opening up the market, the project introduces new roles for the Conajzar general director, including coordinating, developing, and supervising sector operations, thus strengthening the institution’s role as a regulatory body.

Another aspect of the reform is the tightening of sanctions against illegal establishments. The law provides for the closure of unauthorized venues and the seizure of equipment used in illegal operations, increasing market control and protecting legal operators.

The Executive Branch argues that this reform is part of a comprehensive effort to improve public administration in Paraguay. According to the document, Conajzar must adapt to new market realities to offer more efficient services to the public.

Finally, the Government expects these changes will enable better revenue collection and control of income generated by gambling, contributing to a more agile and effective public administration for the benefit of all Paraguayans. Source: El Nacional

Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com