Conajzar, Paraguay’s playing authority, lately introduced the results of its tender for a nationwide sports activities betting franchise. Daruma Sam, the nation’s solely present sportsbook, got here out victorious, however the end result sparked harsh criticism from the opposite individuals. A number of events accused the regulator of purposefully modifying the tender necessities to favor Daruma Sam, making the method a mere formality.
The Winner Appeared Predetermined
Controversy arose simply over every week after the tender’s official announcement. APOJA, the nation’s playing commerce union, harshly criticized the process, citing unclear utility circumstances and the authority’s choice to go forward regardless of the nation’s playing legal guidelines remaining incomplete. Paraguayan Chamber of Video games of Probability president Aníbal Salomón was additionally important of Conajzar, drawing consideration to the unusually transient 60-day utility interval.
Trade insiders feared that the tender circumstances would unfairly favor Daruma Sam. The operator at the moment holds an undisputed monopoly over the Paraguayan sports activities betting market, and accusations of corruption shortly arose. Many identified that the regulator couldn’t assure that the winner would triumph on deserves alone, and Conajzar’s lack of transparency did nothing to alleviate considerations.
Opponents Had been Rapidly Disqualified
Daruma Sam’s official victory and the rising controversy relating to the regulator’s alternative point out that the accusations in direction of Conajzar might not have been completely unfounded. Six corporations initially meant to compete within the tender, however solely three submitted an official bid. Nevertheless, the race was completely one-sided. The opposite two opponents shortly received disqualified for missing “authorized and monetary capability and expertise.” However, Daruma Sam fulfilled 100% of the necessities.
Discontent shortly adopted as opponents identified a clause within the tender specifying that the winner must be a nationwide firm with prior business expertise. This clause might simply be interpreted to exclude everybody however Daruma Sam.
Conajzar Stood by Its Determination
The consortium of B-Gaming Paraguay and Playing SA, one of many two unsuccessful opponents, has threatened authorized motion as a result of ambiguous justification for his or her disqualification. They had been adamant that they met all authorized and monetary standards and accused Conajzar of an unsatisfactory clarification relating to the rejection.
The Paraguayan regulator stood by its choice, including that the consortium had failed to fulfill compliance calls for however didn’t elaborate on precisely which calls for these had been. Conajzar stood by their judgment, lauding the present winner for his or her excellent rating.
“Daruma complies with all the necessities… within the Bidding Phrases and Situations. The info offered is viable, each for the bidder and for the Paraguayan State.”
Conajzar
With its victory, Daruma Sam secures one other 5 years of dominance over Paraguay’s playing scene. The controversial choice and the dearth of transparency solely exacerbate the unhealthy playing local weather within the nation as authorities battle to fight corruption and cash laundering, and the official regulator fails to implement already lax laws.
