Only national lotteries and sports betting are legal (Ecuador)

Only national lotteries and sports betting are legal

Since the 2011 referendum, Ecuador has banned offline casinos and gambling halls. At the same time, national lotteries retained their legal status, and sports bets received their own regulatory and tax contour in 2024-2025. Today, the legal portfolio for a player is lotteries and licensed/registered sports bets; the rest of the offline excitement remains banned.

What is allowed

1) National Lotteries

Lotteries are traditionally in the "white zone" - as a socially acceptable form recognized by the state even after the casino ban. Their legal status was not canceled by decree of 2011 (it concerned casinos and halls), and the subsequent regulatory agenda did not question the legality of lotteries.

2) Sports betting

Since 2024, Ecuador has introduced accounting and taxation of sports betting operators (including a 15% GGR tax; by mid-2024, 65 companies had registered). In 2024-2025 a license for the organization of sports betting (LOPD) is fixed for a period of 5 years; licensor - competent sports department; annual payment - the equivalent of 655 basic salaries (≈ $307,850 for 2025). This de facto legalized the industry in a separate regime.

What is prohibited

Casinos and gaming halls (terrestrial) have been banned since 2011 on the basis of Decree No. 873 (Reglamento de Juegos de Azar Practicados en Casinos y Salas de Juego), issued following a nationwide consultation. The ban remains in force, and an attempt to bring the issue of returning the casino to the 2025 referendum was rejected by the Constitutional Court (in the proposed wording).

Taxes and fees

Gross income tax (GGR) on sports rates: 15% (introduced on July 1, 2024); at the start of the mode, 65 operators were taken into account.

LOPD licensing regime: 5 years, annual payment - 655 base salaries (≈ $307,850 for 2025).

Advertising and sponsorship

In 2024, President Daniel Noboa lifted the ban on advertising sports betting in the media, which revealed a channel of legal communication and sponsorship - especially in football.

Market practice and players

Legal products for the consumer: lotteries and sports betting from registered/licensed operators.

Online betting is the main channel (mobile and web platforms), with the growing integration of club sponsorship and local payment solutions. (The conclusion is based on the 2024 tax filing and the repeal of the ad ban.)

Responsible play and compliance

The new rules strengthen the control of the origin of funds and consumer protection (KYC/AML, age barriers, advertising restrictions), while zero tolerance for land gambling is maintained outside lotteries and bets. Regulatory logic: contain offline risk, but manage demand for sports betting through licenses and taxes.

Prospects

Political discussions about the "point" return of casinos continue, but for the fall of 2025 the status quo is as follows: lotteries and sports betting - yes; casino - no. Further changes are possible only through the correct wording of the referendum and subsequent legislation.

Brief conclusion

Ecuador has legal national lotteries and sports betting (with a full-fledged tax and licensing regime launched in 2024-2025). Offline casinos have remained banned since 2011, and this is a fixed norm. For business, this means focusing on sports betting and partnerships with media/clubs; for gamblers, a choice between lotteries and regulated bookmakers.