In Ecuador, land-based casinos/gambling halls were closed following the 2011 national referendum; the ban is enshrined in the Criminal Code (COIP).
At the same time, from 2024-2025. there is a fiscal and regulatory framework for sport betting: dozens of operators are registered, a 15% tax on gross revenue and a licensing scheme (LOPD) is introduced with the issuance of licenses for 5 years and an annual contribution ≈ 655 basic salaries (~ $307.850).
Supervision is determined by government decrees and industry regulations.
Lotteries (e.g. National Lottery/Junta de Beneficencia) continue to operate in a separate legal field.
In 2025
The Constitutional Court approved the issue of allowing casinos only in 5-star hotels; even with a positive vote, subsequent implementation into laws will be required.
Industry status as of October 13, 2025: Land casino ban is maintained, online betting is taxed and licensed.
A complete chronology of the development of gambling in Ecuador: pre-republican traditions, colonial lotteries, the heyday of casinos at the end of the 20th century, the referendum of 2011 and the closure of halls, the consequences for the economy and tourism, as well as the modern "digital" agenda and prospects.
Learn more →What exactly was provided for by Decree No. 873 of September 16, 2011: the legal framework after the referendum on May 7, a six-month period for closing casinos and halls, control and sanctions, the actual date of the "last game" in March 2012, economic and social effects, as well as subsequent attempts to revise the ban.
Learn more →Topical analysis: what forms of gambling are allowed in Ecuador. The National Lotteries remain legal, and sports betting received separate licensing and tax treatment in 2024-2025; offline casinos have been banned since 2011. Regulatory framework, taxes, advertising and outlook.
Learn more →Legal status of online casinos in Ecuador in 2025: there is no special regulation, access through offshore sites and applications. What is allowed (lotteries, sports betting), what taxes have already been introduced for bookmakers, why the "gray" online continues to grow, the risks for players and how the authorities are trying to streamline the market.
Learn more →How Ecuador is discussing casinos again: after the 2011 ban, the topic returned in 2024-2025. - through the initiatives of the president, the work of the Constitutional Court, the positions of factions in the National Assembly and the preparation of a possible law. Key dates, pros/cons, exactly what the referendum will decide and what role parliament has.
Learn more →We analyze how winnings are taxed in Ecuador's lotteries: the general logic of withholdings at the source, an exception for draws held by Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil and Fe y Alegría, why some documents contain 14% and others - 15%, and what the organizers are obliged to do.
Learn more →We compare Ecuador with Peru and Colombia: what is legal, how sports betting/online games are taxed, what is the effect on the market. Ecuador - offline casino ban since 2011 + tax-licensing circuit for sports betting only; Peru - a full-fledged model for online games and betting from 2024; Colombia is a mature market under Coljuegos, and recently discussed raising the GGR tax to 19%.
Learn more →
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