Paraguay ends quiniela monopoly as two suitors advance to final stage

April 2, 2026

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Paraguay’s quiniela tender has entered its final phase, with the domestic incumbents of Technologies Development of Paraguay (TDP) SA and the Daruma Sam Alliance confirmed as the remaining bidders of the lotto games franchise.

Launched in November 2025, the tender forms part of President Santiago Peña’s broader agenda to privatise state-controlled businesses, beginning with gambling contracts/concessions, that have been formerly operated by state and municipal organisations.  

At the close of March, the tender process announced the withdrawal of the Forte Capital Consortium, formed of  Gambling SA, Talismán SA and B-Gaming Vimérica SA leaving two TDP and Daruma Sam as competing suitors.

Conajzar,  the National Gambling Commission, has been tasked with overseeing proceedings, with its Interdisciplinary Review Committee (CRI) tasked with assessing submissions within a 10 day window ahead of its final adjudication.

The tender marks a significant regulatory shift for Paraguay’s gambling sector. Authorities have dismantled the historic monopoly model, introducing a framework that allows up to three operators to be awarded quiniela licences – signalling a move towards a more competitive market structure.

Both bidders submitted financial proposals in line with the minimum requirements set out in the tender specifications (PBC), offering a 19% fee on monthly gross revenues. Conajzar has also established a minimum guaranteed payment of PYG 9.5bn for successful applicants.

Daruma Sam has already an established presence in Paraguay as the operator of Aposta.LA betting shops in Gran Asunción. 

Review phase begins

Following the opening of bids, the CRI has commenced quantitative and technical verification of all submitted documentation, in accordance with Resolution No. 28/2026 (5 February).

The committee is expected to deliver its evaluation report within 10 days, after which a further five working days will be required to confirm the selected operators. Successful bidders will be granted rights to operate the quiniela for a five-year term.

Conajzar President Carlos Liseras stated that the process has now entered a critical compliance stage: “A detailed control process has begun to ensure all technical and regulatory requirements are fully met.”

The stakes remain high, with industry estimates placing Paraguay’s quiniela market at over $120m in annual turnover.

The tender carries significant political weight as the first test of President Santiago Peña’s mandate to reform state-backed monopolies. 

The proposed bill includes a review of gambling privileges granted to municipal authorities, signalling a broader reset of legacy market structures.

Peña is expected to proceed with a full overhaul of Paraguay’s gambling laws once the quiniela tender is finalised in 2026, positioning the reform as a cornerstone of his wider economic agenda.