Online Casinos Ecuador

Every country has its gambling rules, and so does Ecuador. So what is Ecuador’s stand on online gambling matters?

That’s what we’ll talk about in this article. We’ll also show you the top online casinos that accept players from Ecuador. Furthermore, we’ll unpack gambling regulations and gambling taxes in the country.

By the time we wind up, you’ll know how to find the best casinos in Ecuador and where to seek help in case of gambling addiction. These are just some of the topics we’ll cover here. There’s more.

Best Casinos in Ecuador
Best Casinos in Ecuador

Best Online Casinos in Ecuador

Welcome bonus

€400 + 150 Free Spins

Highlights

  • Hell good games
  • 2022 Launched casino
  • Fast payouts
Hell Spin Casino Review

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Welcome bonus

€400 + 150 Free Spins

Highlights

  • Fast payouts
  • VIP club
  • High withdrawal limits
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18+ | New Players Only | T&C Apply

Welcome bonus

€200 + 200 Free Spins

Highlights

  • Huge game library
  • Decent welcome bonus
  • Mobile friendly
Woo Casino Review

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18+ | New Players Only | T&C Apply

Welcome bonus

€100 + 100 Free Spins

Highlights

  • Wide variety of gaming products
  • Crypto Friendly
  • New brand
National Casino Review

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18+ | New Players Only | T&C Apply

Welcome bonus

100% up to $/€100 + 100 Spins

Highlights

  • Huge game library
  • Crypto friendly
  • €20 Min. withdrawal
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Find a legal real money casino

Are Online Casinos Legal in Ecuador?

The legality of online casinos in a country is mostly a yes or no answer. Well, at least that’s how it’s supposed to be. However, there are those special cases, such as Ecuador, where there’s no straight answer.

Notably, the Ecuadorian gambling laws don’t touch on online gambling. There’s no specific law stating that online casinos are illegal in Ecuador. Also, no law states online casinos are legal in the country.

It’s, however, worth noting that there are no Ecuador-based online casinos. Despite this, several online gambling sites accept players from Ecuador.

As an Ecuadorian, there’s no need to worry. You’re at liberty to gamble at an online site of your choice. That’s because the gambling laws in the country don’t touch on player punishment for gambling online.

One thing, though: you’ll have to play at an offshore casino. Remember, the government outlawed any gambling establishment in Ecuador. The only casinos available to players from this country are those from offshore companies.

But don’t fret since most Ecuadorian online casinos have licenses from reputable licensing organizations. These include Curacao Gaming Authority and Malta Gaming Authority.

Unfortunately, some sites don’t have valid permits. You should keep off such sites because they’re majorly scammer-operated platforms.

Here’s some good news, though: you don’t need to search for a licensed online casino. We, at CorrectCasinos.com, will show you the best Ecuador online gambling sites you can play at.

They’re legitimate casinos with valid operating licenses.

Best 5 Ecuador Casinos Reviewed

These are the top 5 Ecuador casinos that guarantee the best gaming experience:

Review by: Pettie

Updated: 01-10-2024

If you wish for a modern casino with huge bonuses and games, PlayAmo is your go-to site. This Curacao-licensed gambling site features everything a modern gambler can ask for.

When gambling at PlayAmo, you don’t have to understand the English language. Although it’s the default language, you can switch to Espanol. It’s among the 15+ languages available at PlayAmo.

Playamo Casino - Welcome Bonuses

Oh, you also don’t have to access PlayAmo using its web version. It comes with a desktop and mobile app. The app is not on Google Play or App Store but on PlayAmo’s official website.

Away from the app, PlayAmo’s payment section comprises 20+ payment methods. E-wallets are the majority, with cryptocurrencies following closely. Also available are credit cards and prepaid cards.

All deposits at PlayAmo are free and instant, by the way. The minimum amount you can cash in is $10. For the maximum, it can go up to $10,000, depending on your deposit method.

Just like deposits, you can cash out a minimum of $10. The maximum, however, depends on your withdrawal method. Whatever payout method you use, most of the withdrawal options process transactions instantly.

The best news is that signing up at PlayAmo is a breeze. It’s a 3-step process involving your login details and personal information. The last step is to confirm your details, after which you can grab a welcome package.

PlayAmo Casino Welcome bonus

100% up to $/€100 + 100 Spins

18+ | New Players Only | T&C Apply

Online since:

2020

License:

Curacao

Webiste::

playamo.com

Highlights

  • Huge game library
  • Crypto friendly
  • €20 Min. withdrawal
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 USA online casinos

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1

Review by: Gerry

Updated: 22-05-2024

Most online casinos prohibit the use of a Virtual Private Network. Using a VPN on such sites may lead to the banning of your account. But not Ivibet.

Ivibet doesn’t restrict the use of VPNs. The only problem with VPNs is they usually come with connection issues and game malfunctions.

But there’s some good news. As a player from Ecuador, there’s no need to use a VPN. Ivibet accepts all gamblers from Ecuador.

The only time you may need to use a VPN is when playing games from NetEnt. That’s because NetEnt games are unavailable in 50+ countries, including Ecuador.

IviBet Casino Games

Besides a casino, Ivibet features a sportsbook. Here, you can enjoy betting on all popular sports, such as football. The best part about Ivibet’s sportsbook is it offers high odds, which translate to bigger winnings.

Away from that, Ivibet accepts over 20 different languages. Among them is Espanol. That means you won’t have trouble understanding the site’s terms and conditions.

When it comes to games, Ivibet offers thousands of games from 110+ providers. The list of providers comprises well-known software companies. This guarantees game quality and fairness.

Another thing we can’t fail to mention is Ivibet’s promo section. The site offers huge bonuses for all types of players. To top it off, there’s a VIP club for loyal Ecuadorian gamblers.

IviBet Casino Welcome bonus

€300 + 170 Free Spins

18+ | New Players Only | T&C Apply

Online since:

2022

License:

Curacao

Webiste::

ivibet.com

Highlights

  • Crypto-friendly
  • VIP Programs for Casino and Sportsbook players
  • High withdrawal limits
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 USA online casinos

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Review by: Stan

Updated: 14-05-2024

Most casinos offer their players a warm gambling experience. However, at Hell Spin, brace yourself for boiling-hot gaming sessions.

To start with, the bonuses at Hell Spin are hot as blue blazes. The sweltering promotions section features different bonus types for all gamblers.

Hell Spin casino - 2022 review

That’s not all. There’s a VIP program that guarantees the heat of a furnace. It comes with several benefits not available for regular gamblers from Ecuador.

Away from bonuses, Hell Spin has receptive customer support. You can communicate with their customer care team via live chat and email.

What makes their customer care services unique is their multilingual support. Besides English, you can get feedback via the following languages:

  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • German
  • French
  • Italian

Hell Spin’s games section is where things get as hot as hell. This section comprises several categories to get you started:

  • Slots
  • Bonus Buy
  • Hits
  • New
  • Fast Games

You can also play games from your preferred software developer. Hell Spin has a list of 65+ well-known software providers. The reason this casino collaborates with reputable providers is to ensure game safety and fairness.

Hell Spin’s payments section features popular electronic wallets and cryptocurrencies. You can also make transactions at Hell Spin using prepaid cards and credit cards.

Hell Spin Casino Welcome bonus

€400 + 150 Free Spins

18+ | New Players Only | T&C Apply

Online since:

2022

License:

Curacao

Webiste::

HellSpin.com

Highlights

  • Hell good games
  • 2022 Launched casino
  • Fast payouts
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 USA online casinos

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3

Review by: Gerry

Updated: 21-05-2024

The list of the top Ecuador casinos isn’t complete without National Casino. This TechSolutions Group casino features everything a player-centered site should have.

Noteworthy, National Casino is a legitimate site with a license from Curacao. Furthermore, it has a valid security certificate. This ensures your financial and other sensitive information is safe.

Promotions at National Casino

Here’s another thing you should know: National Casino is a multilingual site. It offers over 25 languages, including Español. You can change to your preferred language at any time; you’re the boss.

The language department is not the only place where you’re in control. National Casino’s games section awaits you to do whatever you wish. Here, you can play whatever games you want, be it slots or tables.

Still on games, the casino has united with over 130 software vendors. On the list of providers are big boys such as Microgaming. The list also comprises fresh software developers, ensuring game variety.

Over to the promo division, National Casino lays a welcome mat with a bonus for new players. As an existing gambler, lavish hospitality awaits you thanks to recurrent bonuses.

Oh, and that’s not all. If you’re a high roller, put your feet up. There’s a VIP program at National Casino, guaranteeing privileged treatment for high rollers.

National Casino Welcome bonus

€100 + 100 Free Spins

18+ | New Players Only | T&C Apply

Online since:

2021

License:

Curacao

Webiste::

nationalcasino.com

Highlights

  • Wide variety of gaming products
  • Crypto Friendly
  • New brand
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 USA online casinos

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4

Review by: Pettie

Updated: 28-07-2024

Few casinos do it like Captain Spins. Not just in a specific area, but overall. We give this site a 5/5 rating any time, because, no kidding, it’s excellent in everything.

First, it’s worth noting that Captain Spins is an MGA-licensed site. So, you can keep cool, as MGA-licensed sites are usually as safe as the Bank of England.

Oh, Captain Spins is one of those staunch supporters of responsible gambling, by the way. Also, the site doesn’t promote underage gambling. This ensures a safe gambling environment for every player.

Away from that, the bonus offers at Captain Spins are worthwhile. Besides a warm welcoming offer and recurrent offers, you can join the VIP crew. Here, you’ll get exclusive events, services, and bonuses.

Interestingly, Captain Spins can upgrade your VIP status based on your VIP level at another casino. It’s not a complicated process at all. You only need to send them a screenshot of the VIP status at your other casino.

Over to payments, Captain Spins accepts credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. You’ll hardly find an MGA site accepting cryptocurrencies which is why Captain Spins doesn’t.

Without forgetting, Captain Spins supports 5+ different languages. While English is the default, you can select Spanish if you’re having trouble understanding the content in English.

Captain Spins Casino Welcome bonus

€1200 + 260 spins

18+ | New Players Only | T&C Apply

Online since:

2020

License:

MGA, UKGC

Webiste::

captainspins.com

Highlights

  • Exclusive VIP Program
  • Huge game variety
  • Safe & secure banking
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How to Choose the Right Ecuador Online Casino

Here are the top tips to ensure you choose only the best online casino:

Ensure the Casino Accepts Players from Ecuador
1

Ensure the Casino Accepts Players from Ecuador

Not all online casinos accept Ecuadorians. That narrows your options to a few hundred or tens, maybe? Here’s a thing: Even if the casino doesn’t accept Ecuadorians, no problem. Just ensure it accepts the use of VPNs.

License
2

Confirm the Casino’s Licensing

Another factor to consider when choosing the right Ecuadorian casino is its licensing. A casino with a valid operating license means it’s legit. The casino shouldn’t just have any license. It should be from a well-known regulatory body, such as Curacao and MGA.

mobile compatibility
3

Is the Casino Available on Mobile?

No device beats a mobile phone when it comes to gambling. Did you say a laptop and a tablet? Well, yes, they have bigger screens and are compatible; however, they’re not as flexible. The casino to go for should be mobile-compatible to allow flexible gaming. Your preferred casino shouldn’t necessarily have a mobile app. A mobile web version is enough.

Does the Casino support the Spanish language_
4

Does the Casino support the Spanish language?

The official language in Ecuador is Spanish. As you may know, over 97% of Ecuadorians speak this language. You’ll notice that most casinos have English as their default language. If you’re not comfortable with English, why not pick a site that accepts Spanish?

Available Bonuses
5

Check the Promo Section

Ensure the site offers generous bonuses. In addition to the size of the bonuses, check the wagering requirements. A casino could offer an eye-catching bonus but with sky-high requirements. Such bonuses are not worthwhile.

New Casinos

New Online Casinos in Ecuador

There are hundreds of online casinos accepting players from Ecuador. So, you’ll never run out of options, considering new casinos pop out consistently.
Gambling at a new online casino in Ecuador is fun. Everything is just fresh at these casinos. You can expect unique features not available on old sites.

That said, here are the brand-new online casinos accepting Ecuador players:

Most Popular Slots in Ecuador

Here are the best Ecuador slot games with amazing features for greater wins:

Book of the Dead slot

Book of Dead

ProviderRTPPaylinesReelsRowsMin. BetMax. BetMax. Win
Play ‘N Go94.25%1053$0..01$1005000x

The first thing you’ll notice is the RTP of this Egyptian-themed game is a bit low. But that shouldn’t scare you. This highly volatile slot comes with several features, including a massive jackpot of 250,000 coins.

Unquestionably, the Book of Dead is one of Play ‘N Go’s most successful titles. The software developer released this game in 2016. Currently, this exciting game is on the menu of most gamblers in Ecuador.

The Book of Dead comes with two bonus features. First, you’ll come across a free spins round. By landing at least 3 scatter symbols, you’ll get 10 free spins.

There’s also a gamble round feature. It’s usually active after every winning spin. This feature comes with multipliers of 2x and 4x.

Book of Dead Free Play.

Gates of Olympus slot

Gates of Olympus

ProviderRTPPaylinesReelsRowsMin. BetMax. BetMax. Win
Pragmatic Play95.51%Cluster Pays65$0.2$1005000x

There’s a good reason the Gates of Olympus is still relevant among Ecuadorians. Despite debuting in 2021, the slot’s popularity in Ecuador is still on the rise.

A major reason for the success of the Gates of Olympus is its outstanding scatter pays engine. Let’s be honest here: don’t you love getting paid without similar game symbols landing on adjacent reels?

Not familiar with scatter pays? No worries. Try out the demo version of the Gates of Olympus to experience the fun.

Without forgetting, the Gates of Olympus comes with multipliers of 2x up to 500x. Now if that’s not an extra layer of excitement, what is?

Gates of Olympus Free Play.

Sweet Bonanza Slot

Sweet Bonanza

ProviderRTPPaylinesReelsRowsMin. BetMax. BetMax. Win
Pragmatic Play96.48%Cluster Pays65$0.2$10021,100x

You’ve probably heard of the Sweet Bonanza slot machine. It’s a popular title that debuted in 2019. This candy-themed game has medium volatility and a huge bet range to accommodate all players.

So what are you going to encounter on the reels? Well, you’ll come across green, purple, blue, and red lollipops. You’ll also see different fruits, including watermelons, grapes, and apples.

One of the symbols to watch out for in Sweet Bonanza is the scatter symbol. It’s a pink-red lollipop that pays anywhere on the reels.

Don’t bother looking for a wild symbol in this game because it’s not there. You also won’t find a jackpot game or a bonus game. The simplicity of this slot makes it interesting.

Sweet Bonanza Free Play.

Fat Panda

Fat Panda

ProviderRTPPaylinesReelsRowsMin. BetMax. BetMax. Win
Pragmatic Play96.07%2053$0.1$10020,000x

The title alone says it all. You’ve probably guessed the game’s theme. That’s right – it’s a China-themed slot machine.

This 2023-released slot game comes with high volatility. That means you’re likely to cash out huge wins, although not as often. You can also be sure of high winnings thanks to the game’s high RTP.

Fat Panda comes with several features to help you scoop big winnings. You’ll come across multipliers of 2 to 10x. Furthermore, there are wild and scatter symbols in the game.

Speaking of scatters, when you land 3 of them, you’ll get 10 free spins. Four scatter symbols give you 12 free spins and 5 scatters give 15 free spins.

Fat Panda Free Play.

Sweet Alchemy 2

ProviderRTPPaylinesReelsRowsMin. BetMax. BetMax. Win
Play ‘N Go96.2%Cluster Pays55$0.1$10010,000x

Rolled out in 2023, Sweet Alchemy is a high-volatility slot with a candy theme. It’s a perfect slot if you prefer big wins that come less often.

This game is available on iOS and Android smartphones. You don’t have to download any software to play it on your hand-held device, by the way.

The game also comes with Gobstopper and Striped Wild symbols. These wild symbols trigger the bonus feature in the game.

Notably, there are 3 bonus features in the Sweet Alchemy 2 slot machine. This includes an Avalanche feature, a bonus wheel feature, and a free spins round.

Sweet Alchemy 2 Free Play.

Other Popular Casino Games in Ecuador

Besides slot machines, players from Ecuador also enjoy the following table games:

Blackjack

Blackjack

Online Blackjack is arguably one of the most popular games in the world. So, it’s unsurprising that most players from Ecuador have fallen in love with this game.

There are several blackjack variants available at Ecuador’s online casinos. However, the game strategy remains the same across all variants.

Roulette

Roulette

The game of roulette has been gaining popularity since its inception in the 17th century. Roulette is a French word, by the way, meaning small wheel. That’s because it involves a small table wheel and a small ball.

There are 3 highly popular roulette variants at Ecuador casinos. These are French, American, and European roulette.

Poker

Poker

There are high chances you know poker. Even if you’ve never played it, you’ve probably heard of it or seen people play it. This game is so common and is among the most featured games in movies.

The best online casinos feature several poker variants. They include Texas Hold ‘em, five-card draw, and five-card studs.

Craps

Craps

The exact date of the invention of craps is not clear. That’s because craps have several theories. Anyway, the most believed theory is that craps have been around since the 18th century.

Craps is among the most straightforward board games you can play at an Ecuador casino. It comprises two basic bets to get you started. These are “passline”, and “don’t passline”.

Baccarat

Baccarat

Did you know baccarat is among the oldest casino board games? It actually is, with its roots tracing back to the 1400s in Italy. The original name for this game was “baccarat”, meaning zero, because face cards and tens had zero value.

This game has only 3 options: Banker, Tie, and Player. You only have one objective when playing this game. That is, to get a hand that’s closer to 9.

Dices

Sic Bo

Apparently, Sic Bo is similar to craps, only with a few adjustments. Simply put, Sic Bo is a 3-dice game of Chinese origin.

When betting on Sic Bo, you wager on the result of a dice roll. You can make several types of bets. These include big and small bets and odd and even bets.

Sports Betting

Ecuador Sports Betting Sites

Like most countries, football is a chart-topping sport in Ecuador. Well-known teams, including Emelec and Barcelona, are from Ecuador.

Tennis is also highly popular in the country. Without forgetting, basketball and volleyball are also on the list of popular sports in Ecuador.

When it comes to betting, Ecuadorians love betting on the popular sports mentioned. While some gamblers bet on local sports, most of them prefer going international.

Fortunately, the best sports betting sites in Ecuador feature all the popular sports. They come with high odds, huge bonuses, and special features to guarantee an extraordinary gaming experience.

That said, here are the top Ecuador sports betting sites you can consider:

Most Popular Casino Payment Methods in Ecuador

Here are the top payment methods you can use at Ecuador’s online casinos:

jeton-casinos

Jeton

One of the most popular payment options in Ecuador online casinos is Jeton. Like most online banking methods, you must be over 18 years old to have a Jeton account.

Using Jeton to make casino payments shouldn’t be a headache. This multilingual site supports over 10 different languages, including Espanol. That means, as a player from Ecuador, won’t experience a language barrier.

Regarding safety, the Jeton e-wallet holds a certification from the International Standard Organization. This certification means the payment method offers the best cyber security standards.

Jeton is a rapid casino payment method that comes with a mobile application. You can download the app on Google Play and Apple Store, depending on your device’s operating system.

PayPal Casinos

PayPal

You must have heard a thing or two about PayPal. It’s among the most popular electronic wallets in the world. Additionally, PayPal is among the oldest e-wallets, having debuted in 1998.

PayPal is available in over 200 countries spread across 5 continents. This includes the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Furthermore, it accepts 25+ different currencies, including the US Dollar.

When transacting with PayPal, you can chill, especially when it comes to speed. PayPal processes casino deposits instantly. Furthermore, withdrawing your winnings via PayPal takes less than 24 hours.

Regarding safety, PayPal is among the most secure electronic wallets. If it were not, it wouldn’t have 325 million+ registered customers, don’t you think?

Neteller

Neteller

If you desire a quick casino payment method, try Neteller. This payment provider has experience in handling payments. Neteller has handled millions of transactions since it debuted in 1999.

Making payments at an online Ecuador casino via Neteller is pretty simple. You only need your email address and password. Nothing more.

In regards to customer safety, Neteller uses 128-bit SSL encryption that is Verisign-certified. This ensures your personal details, transactions, and account login details are hacker-proof.

Remarkably, Neteller offers 24/7 customer support via several channels. You can reach out via in-account messaging, live chat, telephone, or email – whichever you decide.

MiFinity Casinos-logo

Mifinity

If you wish for a casino payment method with infinite possibilities, Mifinity merits your attention. This payment solution offers everything a top payment method can offer.

With Mifinity, you can expect lightning-fast casino deposits. Withdrawals are not as fast but take less than 24 hours. Still convenient, right?

There are 2 ways to use Mifinity. You can use the site’s web version or its mobile application. To get the application, head to Google Play or App Store.

So how secure is Mifinity? Well, the payment method holds an operating license from the Financial Conduct Authority. This means you can trust Mifinity in the issuance of electronic money services.

ecopayz-casinos-to-play-at

EcoPayz

We’re used to ecoPayz. However, the payment method was rebranded in 2023. Currently, the award-winning payment solution goes by the name Payz.

Payz has been offering convenient casino payment services since 2000. This makes it one of the most established casino payment methods.

Notably, the e-wallet accepts over 50 different currencies, including USD. So, as a casino player from Ecuador, there’s no need to make currency conversions.

When it comes to safety, Payz is no doubt one of the most secure payment methods. It operates under the UK’s FCA and holds certification from the Payment Card Industry. Additionally, it has a certification from the Information Commissioners Office.

Gambling Regulator

Gambling Regulator in Ecuador

There’s no specific authority that regulates gambling in Ecuador. The reason for this is fairly simple – gambling is not exactly legal in the country.

Since there’s no gambling regulator in Ecuador, there are no gambling laws, either. The only law regarding gambling is the one that illegalizes gambling. It’s called Reglamento de Juegos de

Azar practicados en Casinos y Salas de Juego. (Regulation of Games of Chance practiced in Casinos and Game Rooms)

Additionally, Ecuador doesn’t issue gambling licenses to online or land-based casino operators. Again, that’s because the country outlawed gambling.

The country’s Internal Revenue Service is the only functioning body when it comes to gambling. Its main job is to collect taxes. Nothing more.

Gambling restrictions

Ecuador-Specific Gambling Restrictions

Noteworthy, no gambling establishment should operate within Ecuador. This is a restriction that took effect in March 2012 after banning gambling in the country.

As mentioned, there are no restrictions on online gambling. That means you’re at liberty to play at an offshore site of your choice.

You should, however, be watchful when gambling at offshore sites. Not all of them are trustworthy. Furthermore, the government of Ecuador won’t be able to protect you in case you get scammed.

Fees And Taxes

Gambling Taxes in Ecuador

When it comes to gambling taxes in Ecuador, things get a bit confusing. This is a topic where most gambling companies cross swords with the Ecuadorian government.

Here’s why: It’s abundantly clear that gambling in Ecuador is illegal (more on this later). However, the interesting bit is that gaming companies must still pay taxes.

It’s just confusing, ironic, and disappointing (on the part of operators), at the same time. Why should gaming operators pay taxes if they’re not allowed to operate in Ecuador?

Here’s a thing: The Internal Revenue Service of Ecuador (SRI) subjected 8 betting sites to VAT. Interesting indeed, but that’s not all.

Withdrawal Fees and Taxes

New Gambling Tax Proposal in Ecuador

In May 2023, the president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, published a tax reform proposal. According to the president, he aims to improve the economic recovery of Ecuador.

According to the proposal, sports betting sites must pay a 15% tax on their revenue. What’s more, gamblers playing at non-resident sites must pay a 15% tax on their bet value.

There’s also a 15% withholding tax in the proposal. This tax applies to a gambler’s winnings. The SRI will tax the winnings at the point of transaction.

According to the president, there are at least 23 betting sites offering services to Ecuadorians. These sites are in the SRI’s scope for VAT.

Again to the big question: Why should gaming operators pay taxes? Just when you think you won’t get an answer to that question, tax lawyers have their opinion.

According to the lawyers, the betting sites have their headquarters in other countries. Since they’re engaging in legal activities, they must pay taxes to SRI.

History of Gambling

History of Gambling in Ecuador

Undeniably, the gambling market in Ecuador was thriving when gambling was legal in the country. This was evident with the mushrooming of land-based casinos in Ecuador.

Just when everything seemed to be calm, Rafael Correa became president. From a clear blue sky, he came up with a proposal to scrap gambling in the country.

His proposal, which was in 2011, was more of a referendum. The big question to the public was whether or not they wanted the government to ban gambling entirely.

Now here’s where things get interesting: about 45% of Ecuadorians agreed to the banning of gambling. That means 55% did not agree.

Despite the “NO” side being the majority, it didn’t move the president. He still banned gambling in Ecuador, more particularly, casino gambling.

All casinos had up to 6 months from the time of the ban to pack and go home. There was no other option but to shut down. That’s because the gambling ban was official, more specifically, in Executive Decree No. 873.

According to the government, the 6-month grace period was reasonable. It allowed casinos to finalize their activities. Furthermore, it allowed employees from those casinos to look for new jobs.

Lottery

Were Lotteries also Banned in Ecuador?

When the government banned gambling in Ecuador, they didn’t touch Loteria Nacional. Isn’t it ironic? This is a state-owned lottery with political appointees, of course.

Notably, Loteria Nacional has been around since the 1890s. Lottery draws take place from 1800 hours on Wednesdays and Fridays every week.

So if you’re into the lottery, you can try your luck here. It’s a legal activity in the country. That means you won’t get in trouble with the authorities.

Land-based gambling

Land-Based Gambling in Ecuador

Unlike online gambling, there’s a firm stand on land-based gambling in Ecuador. Simply put, land-based gambling in Ecuador is illegal. The government of Ecuador is not on the fence regarding this issue.

But things were not always like that until 2010. Ecuador had 25+ operational gambling facilities spread across the country.

Most physical casinos were in the city of Quito. Notable names include Chalet Swiss Hotel and Casino, which offered 40 slots. Others, such as Casino Colon and Hotel Hilton offered 90+ slot machines.

Another huge casino, Hotel Casino Plaza, based its operations in the Pichincha region. This casino offered 170+ slot machines and 25+ board games.

There was also Hotel Oro Verde located in Guayaquil. It had 10+ table games and 80+ slot machines and stayed open up to 5 AM. Notably, Hotel Oro Verde had branches in Machala and Manta.

Besides big hotels with casinos, some small restaurants operated illegal gambling. You had to be vigilant, especially when staking huge amounts in these casinos.

Most of the big casinos opened from 10 AM to 4 AM every day, by the way. Remember, land-based gambling was legal during that time until things changed…

land based casinos

The Legality of Land-Based Gambling in Ecuador

Currently, no land-based facility in Ecuador is operational. They all shut down in 2012 following a referendum to illegalize gambling in the country.

Well, as with all business enterprises, the closing down of physical casinos had negative consequences. As you may have guessed, employees in those establishments lost their jobs, as a result.

Notably, over 25,000 people working at the brick-and-mortar casinos went home. Pretty devastating, right? This, however, wasn’t the only effect of shutting down physical casinos in Ecuador.

The government also felt a pinch when the casinos closed down. Why, you ask? Well, there were no more taxes to collect from gambling establishments.

Gambling addictions help

Ecuador Gambling Addictions Help

It’s automatic that Ecuador doesn’t have centers for dealing with gambling addiction. This is understandable since gambling is illegal in Ecuador.

But as an Ecuadorian, you can still gamble at online sites, right? That means you’re likely to develop a gambling addiction. So where do you turn to for gambling addiction help?

Fortunately, there are a couple of international gambling addiction centers. Most of them offer free problem gambling help for free.

One of the top international organizations that offer gambling addiction help is Gambling Therapy. This organization offers multilingual help. You can choose Spanish from a list of 30+ different languages.

Besides that, several Facebook groups deal with gambling addiction. These groups usually comprise other gambling addicts you can interact with.

Did you know_

Did You Know?

Hilton Hotel and Casino was the first brick-and-mortar casino in Ecuador. It opened its doors to the public in 1959.

FAQs

No, gambling is illegal in Ecuador. The government shut down all land-based casinos in Ecuador back in 2011. Fortunately, no law in Ecuador illegalizes online gambling.

Hell Spin, Ivibet, and PlayAmo are some of the best Ecuador casinos. National Casino and Captain Spins are also top Ecuador sites. However, they all operate from overseas.

Mostly yes! But you don’t want your private information to get into the hands of hackers, do you? So, check the casino’s security measures before hitting the sign-up button.

Yes, the best Ecuador casinos offer generous bonuses for entry-level and experienced players. Some of them also offer VIP programs for high rollers.

Most Ecuador casinos, especially those with Curacao licenses, accept Bitcoin. However, as you may know, using Bitcoin in Ecuador is illegal.

Electronic wallets such as Payz, Neteller, and PayPal are some of the best payment methods. They process casino deposits instantly and offer rapid withdrawals.

No, sports betting is not allowed in Ecuador. However, you can still bet at online sports betting sites that accept Ecuadorians. The government has no issue with this.

Despite banning gambling in Ecuador, the government requires all online operators to pay taxes. As a player, you’ll also need to pay a 15% withholding tax. That is if you play at a non-resident site.

Baccarat, poker, blackjack, and roulette are some of the available table games at Ecuador online casinos. You can also play slot machines. The top ones include the Book of Dead, Gates of Olympus, and Sweet Bonanza.

Final Verdict

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.

About the author

Stan / Casino expert

Stan is the one that founded CorrectCasinos.com back in 2018. He is really passionate about fair-play in online casinos, transparency and responsible gaming.