Paraguay regulatory chief steps down

Javier Balbuena has resigned as president of the Commission for Gambling of Paraguay (CONAJZAR), the country’s national regulatory body. Balbuena confirmed the decision in a post on his Facebook page, citing a need to “step closer to the private sector”. The move comes after Balbuena spent four years in the top role at CONAJZAR. “I leave with a clear conscience after a job well done, and after setting a strong basis for the industry to take it from here,” Balbuena said in the Facebook post. Balbuena’s departure comes amid allegations of irregularities within the sports betting bidding system in Paraguay. In December, the country’s monopoly sports betting concession was awarded to Daruma Sam SA, which is active under the Aposta.la brand. However, the decision grew criticism from various quarters due to the reported friendship between Daruma Sam’s president and Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes. Paraguay’s Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) investigated the deal and last month ruled it should be revoked, according to Calvin Ayre. However, President Cartes had signed a decree to approve the deal one day prior to the CGR’s ruling, but the CGR later stated the revocation should still go ahead. The case continues.