Public consultations to lift gambling ban cancelled in Ecuador

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has decided not to hold public consultations on lifting the ban on gambling. As noted in the presidential office, the cancellation of the poll was caused by the difficult situation in the country, where there are clashes between the police and the army and mafia-funded armed groups.

The authorities believe that public consultations will increase political and social tension.

As previously reported, in early January, the head of state provided the Constitutional Court with a list of 11 questions to poll the country's population as part of the Public Consultations, the last of which concerns the gambling sector.

"Do you agree to allow the operation of casinos, gambling halls, betting shops or businesses engaged in gambling?" - read the question.

Recall that until 17 March 2012, 32 casinos and bingo halls operated in Ecuador. They were closed as a result of the referendum, which was initiated by the country's former President Rafael Correa. 45.76% were in favour of banning casinos and bingo halls, while 41% of those who came to vote cast their votes against it. 

Following the ban, gamblers from Ecuador continued to visit casinos, but in neighbouring Peru and Colombia. Analysts estimate that currently 15 per cent of gambling revenue in these countries, which amounts to $45 million, is accounted for by players from Ecuador, and this does not take into account the costs of Ecuadorians on online gambling, which is not officially regulated.