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Payment methods: cards, bank transfers, cryptocurrencies - Paraguay

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1) The bigger picture

The Paraguayan payment model for the gambling sector is built on three pillars:

1. Local bank cards (Visa/Mastercard/AmEx) are the main online method of replenishment for legal brands.

2. Bank transfers through BCP infrastructure (SIPAP/SPI) - fast interbank transfers in Guaraní.

3. Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender; digital asset transactions are regulated through SEPRELAD AML/CTF regulations, and digital asset providers (VASPs) are subject to mandatory registration and control.

Separately for operators: Decreto 3846/2025 has been in effect since May 2025, according to which CONAJZAR approves forms of gambling documentation (checks, tickets, receipts), and DNIT homologates them; without such homologation, the documents "produce no legal effects." This is also critical for paychecks/cash forms.

2) Bank cards: fast, familiar, with KYC/3-D Secure

Legal platforms (example: Apostala) accept debit/credit cards from local banks; replenishment is credited instantly, the minimum amount is set by the operator.

Banks and payment providers use 3-D Secure and anti-fraud filters; It is important for the operator to synchronize the texts of checks/blinds and reporting formats with the requirements of Decreto 3846/2025 (DNIT homologation).

Player tip: Use cards issued by Paraguayan banks - conversion fees and refusals for overseas BINs are more common.

3) Bank transfers: SIPAP and instant SPI

SIPAP is a national electronic payment system managed by BCP (Central Bank of Paraguay). It provides settlements and transfers of funds between banks.

SPI (Sistema de Pagos Instantáneos) - SIPAP component for translations 24/7 to ₲5. 000. 000 with a target enrollment time of up to 5 seconds. This is the basic "rail" for fast deposit-outputs from local operators.

Note to the operator: indicate the correct details/concepts in the cash interface and synchronize statements with reports for DNIT/CONAJZAR.

4) Cryptocurrencies: Status and practical limitations

Not a legal means of payment. Crypto assets (including stablecoins) do not have legal tender status in Paraguay; Central Bank and legal reviews emphasize the lack of state guarantees and volatility.

Control via SEPRELAD. The AML/FT regulator (SEPRELAD) has included VASP in the circle of subjects of mandatory control: registration and implementation of KYC/AML procedures for Resolución 8/2020 and Resolución 314/2021 (+ current manuals/updates) is required.

💡 Practical conclusion: legal gambling brands in Paraguay are betting on cards and bank transfers. If the operator plans to interact with cryptoservices (for example, reception through a partner provider with conversion), this should only go through VASPs registered in SEPRELAD, with a complete KYC/AML procedure and correct fiscal reporting.

5) Documents and Compliance (Decreto 3846/2025)

Game workflow (including cash receipts/receipts) is approved by CONAJZAR, and DNIT homologates them; documents are invalid without homologation.

IT/data transfer. DG de Juegos de Azar at DNIT sets standards and deadlines for telemetry/data transmission from systems, machines and cash desks of operators. This also applies to payment journals.

6) What to choose for the player (short)

Quickly and easily → a card (instant enrollment, 3-D Secure).

Large amounts/output → interbank transfer via SIPAP/SPI (24/7 SPI mechanic helps operations).

Crypto → keep in mind: this is not a legal means of payment; any schemes with a crypt must pass through registered VASP and normal KYC - otherwise the risk of locks/failures.

7) Checklist for Operator (2025)

1. Cash forms: bring tickets/checks/registers to the templates approved by CONAJZAR and homologated by DNIT (Decreto 3846/2025, article on documentation).

2. Bank/acquiring integration: ensure compatibility with SIPAP/SPI and local anti-fraud procedures; keep logs for DG Juegos de Azar.

3. AML/KYC: implement SEPRELAD procedures (including counterparty risk assessment-VASP, if any).

4. Player Communications: Explicitly specify commissions, limits, enrollment/withdrawal deadlines, and allowable tools (PY cards, transfers to PYG).

5. Marketing: do not promise "crypto payment" as a legal analogue of fiat; if there is a conversion via VASP - correctly disclose the role of the intermediary and the conditions.

In Paraguay, legal payments from gambling operators rely on local bank cards and interbank transfers via SIPAP/SPI. Cryptocurrencies in the country are not legal tender; any operations with them fall under the SEPRELAD AML mode (VASP, KYC/CTF registration). Since 2025, the formalization of document flow has intensified: cash forms/receipts for games must be approved by CONAJZAR and homologated by DNIT according to Decreto 3846/2025. For the player, this means choosing cards or bank transfers; for the operator - to build processing and reporting strictly on the DNIT/BCP/SEPRELAD rails.