![\"Ecuador](\"https:\/\/readwrite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ecuador-president-Daniel-Noboa-could-legalize-gambling-in-upcoming-referendum-300x200.png\")
<\/div>\nEcuador President Daniel Noboa has paved the way for the reintroduction of casinos and gaming halls, as part of a wide-ranging referendum on key issues surrounding gambling for the South American nation.<\/span><\/p>\n The leader insists the gambling activity will be limited to five-star hotels, with a 25% tax levy applied to fund social programs, including school meals and child malnutrition.<\/span><\/p>\n In a detailed communication on Elon Musk\u2019s<\/a> X social media platform, Noboa outlined that multiple issues would be addressed in the proposed \u201cconsulta popular\u201d (popular consultation) referendum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cToday we take a new step: a popular consultation that asks the people about issues that for years have been of popular interest and in urgent need of change, he said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThese 7 questions give citizens the power to choose, once and for all, whether we, as a nation, want to bury the past and embrace with hope a future of peace and development.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The question on gambling could lead to the legalization of any form of gambling for the first time in 14 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is anticipated that he plebiscite could take place on December 14, but there is a legal and constitutional process that must be followed, due to potential amendments to the constitution, pending the outcome of the vote.<\/span><\/p>\n Desde el inicio de este proyecto pol\u00edtico luchamos por justicia y progreso, por hacer lo correcto sobre lo c\u00f3modo, lo justo sobre lo tradicional, y lo valiente sobre lo complaciente.<\/p>\n A diario recibimos cr\u00edticas, especialmente de los que est\u00e1n m\u00e1s lejos de la gente, aquellos que\u2026<\/p>\n — Daniel Noboa Azin (@DanielNoboaOk) August 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Gambling houses, including casinos, have been banned in Ecuador since 2011, following a referendum during the tenure of the 45th President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Noboa assumed office in November 2023, becoming the 48th head of state.<\/p>\n At the time, a social and moral question was posed to the public, with gambling considered to be causing financial harm and contributing to the proceeds of organized crime.<\/span><\/p>\n 7.\u00bfEst\u00e1 usted de acuerdo con permitir el funcionamiento de salas de juego y casinos dedicados a juegos de azar en hoteles categorizados con cinco estrellas, quienes entregar\u00e1n al Estado un tributo del veinte y cinco por ciento (25\u202f%) de sus ventas por esta actividad, para el\u2026<\/p>\n — Daniel Noboa Azin (@DanielNoboaOk) August 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n There will still be significant opposition this time around, with concerns over the social impact on families, finances, and well-being, but proponents will argue the need for reform.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Supporters take the position that the casino and gambling activity will be limited to exclusive locations, providing a valuable outlet for tourist spending as well as returning important tax income.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It will also create employment in the controlled facilities, while providing a regulated outlet for the demand, taking people away from illicit underground activity.<\/span><\/p>\n Image credit: Presidencia de la Rep\u00fablica del Ecuador \/ Creative Commons 4.0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The post Ecuador president Daniel Noboa could legalize gambling in upcoming referendum<\/a> appeared first on ReadWrite<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
Ecuador gambling ban in place since 2011<\/span><\/h2>\n
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