CONAJZAR postpones National Quiniela tender due to merger
The National Gambling Commission (CONAJZAR) will postpone the call for bids for the operation of the National Quiniela, one of the country’s most traditional products. This was confirmed by its president, Carlos Liseras, in statements to Ñanduti, explaining that the delay is due to the administrative integration process that the entity is undergoing together with the National Directorate of Tax Revenues (DNIT).
The gaming law reform approved in January introduced structural changes to the sector, including the de-monopolization of the lottery, which will allow opening the market to three concessionaires. However, the institutional transition left no room to complete the bidding process on time, which will require temporarily extending the current concession.
“We are in the middle of the merger process with DNIT. That prevented us from advancing with the bidding within the planned deadlines. Therefore, it will be necessary to extend the current license until the new scheme is fully operational”, explained Liseras.
Three future operators and higher projected revenues
The opening of the lottery market, according to Liseras, will energize the industry and increase state revenue. “With three physical or legal operators competing, the sector will evolve. We expect the fee to increase,” he noted.
The head of CONAJZAR also defended the supervisory work carried out in recent months and assured that the institution has already achieved an additional 9 million dollars thanks to control over clandestine activity.
Furthermore, he revealed that the new law contemplates the possibility of enabling casinos in departments with more than 250,000 inhabitants, expanding the country’s regulated map.
A historic element of Paraguayan gambling
The National Quiniela continues to be the regulated game with the greatest economic weight for CONAJZAR. The current concessionaire pays a monthly fee of 9.337 billion guaraníes, adjusted annually according to the Central Bank of Paraguay’s CPI.
“It is the product that delivers the most resources to the institution and maintains its popularity despite the growth of sports betting and online casinos,” Liseras stated.
He also recalled that the game is deeply rooted in local culture: “The Quiniela is part of Paraguayan folklore, especially in the interior of the country.”
Although he acknowledged that new generations are increasingly migrating to the digital realm, he assured that the modality will remain valid and will have room to modernize when the new concessionaires enter. “The upcoming companies will be able to incorporate technological innovation and new forms of participation without losing the traditional essence of the game,” he concluded.
Tags: Paraguay, National Quiniela, Conajzar