Carlos Liseras from Conajzar explains the changes in gambling in Paraguay: a new presidential decree and the lottery bidding process

In an exclusive interview with this media outlet, Carlos Liseras, president of the National Gaming Commission of Paraguay (CONAJZAR), revealed important advances in the regulation of the sector. Among these, he highlighted the promulgation of Presidential Decree No. 3846/2025, which redefines criteria for the operation of games of chance, and the launch of the national public bidding process for the concession of the lottery game. These measures, according to Liseras, aim to make the system more transparent, strengthen controls, and ensure greater revenue for the State.

What can you tell us about the effects of Decree 3846, which regulates Law 7438/2025 and establishes the legal framework for games of chance?

The regulation of Law No. 7438/2025 materialized by has a highly positive impact throughout the Republic of Paraguay, considering that it operationalizes the Regulatory Entity so that it can comply with and enforce the law that governs the matter.

What is the status of the lottery bidding process in Paraguay?

Law No. 7438/2025 eliminates the monopoly on gambling. In this case, the game known as "Quiniela" may be operated by three individuals or legal entities. The Regulatory Decree establishes that before the National Gambling Commission (CONAJZAR) prepares the Terms and Conditions, the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT) must submit the general guidelines. To this end, we are currently in the process. It is important to mention that with the new law, the Regulatory Body went from reporting to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to the Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT). This entails several administrative steps and processes that are currently being carried out.

 How do you compare Paraguay's gambling legislation to other Latin American countries?

With the modification of Law No. 1016/1997, there has been a substantial improvement in the operation of the Regulatory Entity because, by depending on the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT), it has the technical capacity and the necessary logistics to fulfill its corresponding role. Gradually, the Regulatory Entity of Paraguay is being modernized and adjusted to the new times compared with the legislation of other countries on the continent. In any case, some provisions need to be modified to definitively provide CONAJZAR with all the legal powers that correspond to it.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest problems facing the sector is illegal gambling. What is the current situation in Paraguay regarding the fight against illegal gambling?

Law No. 7438/2025 and its Regulatory Decree No. 3846/2025 authorize the Regulatory Authority to seize and destroy machines, utensils, equipment, objects, documents, elements inherent to illegal gambling, implements, systems, and any type of computer accessory or not. Likewise, the Regulatory Authority, through its head, has the authority to order blocks and cancellations of the transmission of illegal online gambling.

Finally, would you like to add anything new about Conajzar?

With the Quiniela bidding process now complete, other types of games will be put out to tender. The process and coordination with the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT) are also underway to conduct robust operations to monitor contractual compliance by gambling operators. Furthermore, a frontal fight against the illegal exploitation of gambling is underway, and the criminal records will be forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office so that those responsible for committing illegal gambling offenses are prosecuted and convicted.

It is also important to mention that canon collection is currently reaching record increases never before achieved. This situation motivates us to continue improving every day, considering that the canon collected by the Regulatory Entity is used by the institutions established by law for vulnerable sectors of the Republic of Paraguay.