Paraguay gets serious on slot regulation

A new regulation from Paraguay’s gaming authority will attempt to put an end to underage gambling nationwide.

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n an effort to clamp down on minors illicitly playing slot machines, Paraguay’s National Gaming Commission (Conajzar) has issued “an import resolution” which will restrict slot placement in bars, pharmacies, restaurants and other high-street retail environments.

According to the resolution, as of September 6 all EGMs in the country must be installed in a “private betting/gambling outlet, clearly delimited and closed to any underage persons.”

The directive also prevents slot operation anywhere within half a kilometre of a school – and dictates that no EGM model should contain flammable materials such as wood and hardboard.

Up until now, definitive legislation regarding slot operation has been lacking in Paraguay – with regulatory attitudes varying widely between the various municipal authorities. This has led to the rise of homemade slot machines, as well as slots themed with animated characters aimed squarely at enticing underage players.

This resolution represents a formalisation of the gambling industry in Paraguay, and eradicates all forms of improper exploitation.

But Conajzar insists that its new resolution will put a stop to this – claiming that any local government found to be in violation of its new rules will risk forfeiting its share of gaming tax.

“The planning and regulation of gaming falls under the jurisdiction of Conajzar – despite the confusion which has prevailed in recent years,” stated the organisation’s president Dr. Javier Balbuena Estigarribia. “There has been a kind of anarchy with the municipalities and the private sector…there are unauthorised and clandestine machines everywhere. This resolution represents a formalisation of the gambling industry in Paraguay, and eradicates all forms of improper exploitation.”