Paraguay regulator resigns amidst licensing uproar

Amidst a growing row over a monopolistic sports betting concession awarded to an allegedly politically connected company titled Daruma Sam SA, the head of national regulator Conajzar, Javier Balbuena has resigned.

The contentious issue has seen the name of the national president, Horacio Cartes, dragged into allegations of interference in the judgement of the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic after that body claimed irregularities in the award process had taken place and that it should therefore be revoked.

The Office has further claimed that the creation of a betting monopoly runs counter to the national constitution.

The determination of the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic to stop the Daruma contract in its tracks will be welcome news to local gambling operators perturbed at the idea of a monopolised sports betting market decreed by government.

Balbuena turned to social media to announce his resignation, claiming that he has fulfilled all his duties and obligations as a regulator and leaves behind an organisation firmly built on foundations that ensure the orderly future development of the industry.

Basilio Núñez has been appointed to take over from Balbuena.