(H1): Role of crypto bookmakers (Paraguay)

Shortly

In Paraguay, cryptocurrencies are not legal tender; The Central Bank (BCP) does not control or regulate their circulation. This means that calculations in crypto do not have the status of "official currency," and the risks fall on the user.

In 2025, the country abolished the monopoly and updated law 1016/1997 (new Ley 7348/2025 and decree No. 3846/2025), strengthening CONAJZAR and transferring it under DNIT; The goal is competition and consumer protection both online and offline.

The state is preparing an open tender for 2026 for sports betting (several licenses instead of an exclusive), as well as a domain tag. bet. py as a sign of the legality of sites.

Any sites that accept bets without a CONAJZAR/DNIT license are illegal in Paraguay, regardless of whether you pay in PYG, USD or crypto.

What is a "crypto bookmaker" and where are they now

A crypto bookmaker is a platform where deposits/withdrawals occur in cryptocurrencies (BTC, USDT, etc.), often without the classic banking KYC. Such sites are available to residents of Paraguay, but operate outside the local license, and therefore do not fall under the protection of DNIT/CONAJZAR (mediator of disputes, sanctions, requirements for RG). For the player, this means the absence of regulatory guarantees for payments and controversial situations.

Legal status: crypt ≠ state money

Not a legal payment. BCP explicitly states: the only legal means of payment is Guaraní; cryptocurrencies are not controlled or supervised by the central bank. Therefore, liabilities in crypto do not have the same legal effect as liabilities in PYG.

Fakes about the "bitcoin tender." In June 2025, the government denied a false statement on social networks about "recognizing bitcoin as legal tender." No "bitcoin tender" was introduced in Paraguay.

Reforms 2025-2026: how it concerns online and crypto payments

New oversight architecture. Law 7348/2025 and Decree 3846/2025 expand the powers of CONAJZAR, enshrine it as a decentralized body under DNIT, and open up space for competitive licensing (including online formats).

Tender-2026. DNIT has publicly announced the launch of a multi-license sports betting model in 2026. This is a key window when legal online operators (possibly with a digital payment option when performing AML/KYC) will be able to enter the market.

.bet. py. Entering domain marking. bet. py is conceived as a simple indicator for users: a site with such a zone and a valid license is "white"; without it, the probability of a "gray" status is high.

💡 Before the release of by-laws and tender conditions, it cannot be considered that the "crypto acceptance" is automatically legal. Base point: A licensed operator is legal, not a "payment method" on its own.

Crypto bookmakers' risks to the player

1. Legal protection is zero. No local license - no arbitration through CONAJZAR/DNIT, no effective complaint.

2. KYC "retroactively." Many "crypto-only" sites are requesting documents already at the conclusion - the risk of blocking funds.

3. Volatility and course. Deposit/bankroll in volatile asset = hidden "second rate."

4. Self-exclusion and RG. The lack of an associated system of self-exclusion and limits increases the likelihood of overspending.

5. Scam risks. Lack of public jurisdiction, opaque bonuses, "manual" validation.

What it means for operators (looking at Paraguay)

License first. Since 2026, the key is winning the tender and compliance DNIT/CONAJZAR; "crypt" is possible only as part of the permitted payment stack with reporting and AML control.

AML/KYC by adult. Travel Rule, on-/off-ramp through licensed providers, address monitoring and reporting - a minimum for access to advertising and Big Tech ecosystems (Google/Meta require clear regulation).

PYG — must. For trust and fiscal reporting - emphasis on calculations in Guarani; if the crypt is acceptable, then as an additional channel with instant conversion, limits and transparent courses.

How a player can distinguish a legal platform from a "gray" one

1. Look for CONAJZAR/DNIT in the footer: permit number, RUC, legal entity, support address.

2. Check. bet. py (when launched) and check the site data with the regulator registry.

3. Payments to PYG + visible limits (deposit/loss/time), timeout and self-exclusion.

4. Transparent bonus rules: vager, market contribution, periods - everything is large and understandable.

5. KYC before the first conclusion, 2FA and the history of entrances are a sign of a "white" platform, not "bureaucracy."

FAQ

Are crypto bookmakers legal in Paraguay?

The operator with the CONAJZAR/DNIT license is legal. If a site accepts crypt but is not licensed in Paraguay, it is out of the "white" field. Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender.

Can a licensed operator accept crypt?

The regulator will decide in the secondary/tender conditions-2026. The base priority is PYG and full AML/KYC; any crypto channels - only within the permitted scheme.

How to understand that the news about the "bitcoin tender" is fake?

Check with the releases of government agencies: in June 2025, the government denied rumors about giving BTC legal tender status.

In 2025, the role of crypto bookmakers for Paraguay is primarily a challenge to supervise and protect players. Crypt in the country is not the money of the state, which means that it is not the payment method that is "legal," but the licensed operator. Reform 2025 and tender-2026 create a window for transparent online (up to. bet. py). Until the launch of the new model, the best strategy for the player is to hold on to licensed brands, include limits and 2FA, pay and withdraw to PYG, and consider any "crypto-only" sites to be high-risk.

Sources: 2025 Legislative Updates (Law 7348/2025; Decree 3846/2025) and the translation of CONAJZAR under DNIT; DNIT plans to open sports betting in 2026; domain labeling initiative. bet. py; BCP's position on the status of cryptocurrencies; refutation of the "bitcoin tender" in 2025.