SAGSE Paraguay: New Law 7438/2025 transforms the gaming sector
During the recent edition of SAGSE Paraguay 2025, held in Asunción, a key conference took place that marked a milestone in the regulatory evolution of the gambling sector in Paraguay. This event brought together operators, regulators, and industry executives, and was the setting where Óscar Orué, head of the National Directorate of Tax Revenues (DNIT), presented the new Law No. 7438/2025. This legislation modifies and expands Law 1016/1997, establishing a new paradigm in the regulation of gambling in the country.
One of the most significant announcements of the new law is the elimination of the monopoly on granting permits for modalities such as the quiniela and sports betting. With the implementation of this regulation, participation of up to three operators per game will be allowed. This change aims to foster fairer competition, expand the offer for bettors, and generate greater revenue for the State. According to Orué, this measure responds to the need to diversify the market and promote formalization, combating illegal gambling and strengthening state supervision.
Additionally, it was announced that next year the sports betting sector will be put out to tender, by order of President Santiago Peña. Currently, the company Daruma SAM (Apostala) holds the concession for betting until 2028, so advancing the tender will allow the entry of two new operators into the sector and the end of the monopoly.
The new scheme also redefines the distribution of fees collected from gambling concessions. The DNIT will be responsible for collecting the contributions, which will be redistributed among different levels of government and social programs. The percentages will vary according to the jurisdiction of the game: for national-level games, 30% for municipal governments, 30% for departmental governments, 30% for the Directorate of Charity and Social Aid (DIBEN), and 10% for the National Treasury. For games operated by Asunción, 25% for the capital’s municipality, 20% for departmental governments, 20% for municipalities with fewer resources, 25% for DIBEN, and 10% for General Revenues. Municipal and departmental games will maintain the rule of 30% for each level of government and DIBEN, and 10% for the National Treasury.
Another focus of the talk was the commitment to formalization and social inclusion, with measures that encourage voluntary compliance with regulations and reinforce control against evasion and smuggling. The Director of the DNIT emphasized the importance of incorporating responsible gaming criteria, with special focus on the prevention of child gambling addiction and the regulation of betting advertising.
The regulatory changes open new possibilities for betting and casino operators, by expanding the legal framework and allowing greater diversity in game operations. According to Orué, Law 7438/2025 offers an attractive scenario for investments, always under strict state control and with the goal of generating added value for the sector. The presentation concluded with a call for public-private cooperation, to consolidate a transparent and competitive market, in which social and fiscal benefits are tangible for all Paraguay.
Tags: Paraguay, Conajzar, regulation, Law 7438