Paraguay Launches Historic Quinela Nacional Tender to End Single-Operator Monopoly

The tender will allow up to three new operating licences to be awarded, ending the single-operator system that has defined the market for decades. The move represents a significant shift in Paraguay’s gambling regulatory landscape and carries substantial political implications for both CONAJZAR and President Peña’s administration.

Breaking the Monopoly Model

CONAJZAR confirmed it had been instructed by the Colorado Party government to “break the operating model of the Quiniela,” Paraguay’s popular small draw lottery games. The tender marks the first renewal in five years, following the 2020 award to TDP S.A. (Tecnología en Desarrollo de Paraguay S.A.), which has managed the Quiniela Nacional under CONAJZAR’s supervision.

TDP, a local gaming services firm, currently oversees the lottery’s retail network, draw management, and digital ticket distribution.

Tender documents will be available for purchase from 17 November, priced at 100 million guaraníes (approximately €12,500). The new concession system will take effect in January 2026 and remain valid until 2031. The current operator will continue running the lottery until new licences are issued early next year.

Revenue and Cultural Significance

According to CONAJZAR President Carlos Liseras, the Quiniela Nacional remains the commission’s most important revenue source, generating over 9.3 million guaraníes (€1.15 million) in monthly fees to the state—adjusted annually according to the Consumer Price Index published by the Central Bank of Paraguay.

“The Quiniela is part of Paraguay’s cultural heritage. While younger generations are drawn to online games, this reform allows operators to innovate and digitise the Quiniela while maintaining its traditional essence.”

Political Context and Reform Agenda

In January 2025, President Santiago Peña secured approval to introduce a decree establishing a new legal framework for games of chance. The reform aims to de-monopolise Paraguay’s gambling sector, creating competition across the lottery and sports betting markets by expanding the number of licensed operators from one to three.

The decree followed a period of controversy for CONAJZAR. In 2023 and 2024, the regulator faced criticism over its handling of a federal sports betting franchise tender, which was announced to national media without formal government approval. The process became embroiled in legal challenges as rival bidders alleged that competition conditions favoured incumbent operator Daruma Sam, which controls the Aposta.LA retail betting network across Asunción.

To restore confidence in Paraguay’s gambling governance, Peña’s reforms transferred oversight of CONAJZAR from the Ministry of Economy and Finance to the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT).

Setting the Precedent

The Quiniela Nacional tender carries significant political weight, as President Peña has entrusted the previously criticised CONAJZAR with overseeing the first gambling asset to be formally de-monopolised under his reform agenda.

The successful management of the Quiniela tender will set a precedent for future open competitions covering sportsbook franchises, online gambling licences, and the management of Paraguay’s national lottery portfolio.

Source: SBC Noticias