The previous SAGSE Paraguay 2025 in Asunción became the stage for a major revelation in the country’s gaming industry. Director Óscar Orué of the National Directorate of Tax Revenues (DNT) announced the newly sanctioned Law No. 7438/2025. The law modifies and expands the existing Law No. 1016/1997. The law amendment will transform Gambling industry of Paraguay by ending monopolies, expanding competition, and restructuring the distribution of gaming revenues.
Law 7438/2025 brings major changes. It opens the lottery, quiniela, and sports betting markets. It also eliminates monopoly rights in certain gaming sectors. Until now, sports betting has operated under a single-operator regime. Under the new model, regulators will allow up to three licensed operators per game. This promotes fairer competition. It gives users more choices and increases state revenue.
The reform responds to a double objective: market diversification and stepping up the fight against illegal gambling for Orué. By accepting multiple operators, authorities aim to boost activity in the formal economy. They also seek to increase transparency. Another goal is to improve state control.
The principal announcement confirmed that the sports betting sector will open to new operators through a public tender in 2026. Although Daruma SAM, or Apostala, holds the concession until 2028, President Santiago Pena requested the move.
The early tender will end the monopoly in this industry. It will change the competitive market landscape. It will also give the chance to add two more operators. Experts expect the move to stimulate fresh investment and innovation in betting services for the public.
Moreover, the reform changes the method of payment of concession fees on games of chance. The DNIT will collect the payments. It will distribute them to different levels of government. It will also fund social programs under the new system.
