Paraguay and Mexico open gambling market, Netherlands and Czech Republic tighten restrictions
Paraguay opens its gambling market to private operators, Mexico prepares a major reform of its gambling regulations, the Netherlands bans sports sponsorships from gambling companies, and the Czech Constitutional Court authorizes Prague to establish its own regulations.
Paraguay opens gambling market to private operators
Paraguay's Law No. 7348/2025, enacted on March 1, 2025, has effectively abolished the state monopoly on gambling, thereby opening the market to private operators. The new law expands the existing regulation, providing for the issuance of licenses for both land-based casinos and online platforms.
The industry is now overseen by the National Gambling Commission (Conajzar), which operates under the auspices of the Tax Administration (DNIT). Conajzar has been granted expanded powers and is responsible for licensing, regulating, and supervising operators at all levels, from local to national. The law establishes clear requirements for operators, including technical standards, mandatory certification of equipment, and compliance with minimum distance requirements from educational institutions.
According to Carlos Lizeras, head of Conajzar, de-monopolization will foster a conducive environment for attracting both foreign and local investment. He noted that in 2024, contributions from the gambling sector amounted to PYG 175.8 billion (about $21.9 million) and this figure is expected to continue to grow after the reforms.
The new regulatory system aims to strengthen controls, protect players — especially minors — and crack down on illegal operators, which should ensure a more transparent and safe gambling environment.
Mexico pushes for a new law to regulate gambling
The Mexican Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB), in collaboration with representatives of the gambling industry, is developing a comprehensive reform of gambling legislation. The new bill should replace the outdated 1947 act and cover both land-based casinos and online gambling. The aim is to create a unified and modern regulatory framework for the entire industry.
The planned changes are designed to establish clear tax rules, eliminate duplicative functions between federal and regional agencies, and increase transparency for operators.
During a meeting with the National Council of the Entertainment Industry (CONAIET), business representatives expressed concern about the frequent changes of leadership in the sector and the lack of stable regulation. They also proposed the implementation of a federal tax to prevent duplication of taxation by individual states. According to the meeting participants, the reforms are necessary to stimulate industry growth, attract investment, and protect players from illegal operators:
According to CONAIET, online gambling in Mexico already generates more than $3 billion a year, and by the end of 2024, the number of active accounts on gambling sites will exceed 18 million. The market is projected to expand at an average annual rate of 7.7% through 2034. The new law is designed to consolidate this growth, legalize platforms with foreign registration, and make the market more transparent and safe for both operators and players.
Netherlands bans sports sponsorship from gambling companies
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has announced that a comprehensive prohibition on sports sponsorship by gambling operators will be implemented on July 1, 2025. This marks the conclusion of a two-year transition period that commenced in 2023, following the implementation of restrictions on non-targeted advertising in public spaces.
The new law imposes restrictions on operators, prohibiting them from entering into sponsorship agreements with athletes, clubs, leagues, and from advertising on uniforms and during sporting events. The primary objective of these innovations is to safeguard young people and vulnerable groups from the potentially harmful effects of gambling.
KSA emphasized its commitment to stringent enforcement of these regulations and called upon all licensees to adhere strictly to the new guidelines. The regulator will also continue to collaborate with the industry to ensure a seamless transition to the new conditions.
The Czech court allows Prague authorities to pass their own gambling laws
The Czech Constitutional Court has ruled that the Prague authorities have the right to set their own gambling rules. This decision serves to affirm the legal validity of the 2021 prohibition on slot machines in the capital, notwithstanding prior reservations expressed by various ministries and the antitrust office. Games with a live dealer, including poker and roulette, remain legal.