Paraguayan Senate Reviews Bill to Create Autonomous Gambling Regulator DINAJZAR

Paraguay’s Senate has begun examining government-backed legislation to establish an autonomous gambling regulator, as reported by G3 Newswire. The proposal would replace the National Gambling Commission (CONAJZAR) with the National Directorate of Gambling (DINAJZAR), which would gain greater institutional and budgetary autonomy from the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT).

The Executive submitted a 72-article bill that would repeal Laws 1,016/1997 and 7,438/2025. It seeks to update a legal framework dating to 1997 that has not kept pace with technological developments in online betting and illegal operations.

A joint meeting of Senate committees on 26 October brought together lawmakers, government representatives and industry figures. Senator Luis Pettengill said CONAJZAR "currently had just 12 employees responsible for overseeing gambling throughout the country, leaving it with insufficient administrative and budgetary resources to carry out effective inspections." He also cited inadequate controls over minors’ access to gambling.

Carlos Liseras, CONAJZAR president, reported that monthly sector revenue had increased from approximately G.12bn to G.21bn. The changes, he argued, would supply the regulator with resources and powers to expand supervision and combat unlicensed activity.

Core Provisions of the Proposed Framework

DINAJZAR would receive five per cent of relevant gambling revenues for its operating budget while maintaining ties to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The bill strengthens enforcement with expanded sanctions and designates illegal gambling a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.

Online gambling would operate under a new licensing regime with 26 licenses issued through competitive tender. A national register would cover influencers and others involved in gambling promotion, plus equipment and software suppliers. The structure also creates a dedicated department for responsible gambling and addiction prevention.

Implementation Timeline and Execution Risks

Pettengill stated that committees would work toward a more developed and consensual text within 15 days. The transition from the structure introduced by Law 7,438/2025 carries execution risks, particularly if staffing and budgetary measures fall short of the expanded mandate for nationwide oversight and enforcement.

Success hinges on whether the final version equips the new directorate to address current limitations without creating regulatory gaps during the shift. Licensed operators and the broader market will require clear guidance on the competitive tender process and register requirements once the bill advances.