Final Verdict
It’s illegal to gamble in Ecuador. This was a decision that the president of Ecuador made in 2011 following a referendum. Although 55% of the population did not want the government to scrap gambling, it became a law.
Luckily for online casinos, the government didn’t touch online sites. Land-based casinos, however, had to pack and go home. By March 2012, there were no operational physical casinos in Ecuador.
Of course, shutting down land-based casinos in Ecuador had negative effects. Thousands of employees lost their jobs. Also, the government could no longer collect taxes from gambling.
Fast-forward to 2023, the government proposed online sites to pay taxes. So was it a calculated move not to illegalize online sites so they could pay taxes? Or is it something the government thought about in 2023?
Whichever the case, all gambling sites must pay a 15% tax according to the proposal. Additionally, there’s a 15% withholding tax for Ecuadorian gamblers playing at non-resident sites.
Speaking of non-resident sites, several offshore sites accept gamblers from Ecuador. The top ones include PlayAmo, Captain Spins, and Ivibet. As a player from Ecuador, you can also gamble at Hell Spin and National casinos.
The top Ecuador sites offer the best bonuses for new and existing gamblers. They also have excellent customer support teams and offer thousands of games.
Without forgetting, these sites offer the best payment methods. You can transact using Payz, Neteller, Mifinity, and PayPal, among others.
While gambling is illegal in Ecuador, it’s unclear whether or not the government may legalize it again. Only time will tell.
That said, whenever you play online, remember to gamble responsibly. If you have or suspect someone with a gambling addiction, don’t be afraid to reach out to international addiction help centers. They’re always willing to help.