President Daniel Noboa is looking to reverse a long-standing ban on casino gambling
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa is putting gambling reform back on the table, signaling a possible return of casinos more than a decade after they were outlawed. Noboa recently confirmed that Ecuadorians will have the opportunity to vote on the matter in a national referendum expected later this year.
The proposed measure would reverse the 2011 ban that led to the closure of all gambling venues in the country. Noboa’s plan is more limited in scope than the previous model. Under the new proposal, casinos would only be allowed in five-star hotels and would be subject to tight regulations. A 25% sales tax on gambling revenue would be directed toward social programs, with a focus on combating child malnutrition.
This initiative is part of a larger set of reforms Noboa is submitting to the Constitutional Court for approval. Other referendum questions include restructuring the National Assembly, eliminating public funding for political parties, legalizing hourly labor contracts, and allowing foreign military support in Ecuador’s fight against organized crime.
Supporters of the casino proposal argue that reopening gambling venues could help revive tourism and restore thousands of jobs lost since the 2011 shutdown. Critics, however, warn that even with restrictions, the return of casinos could reignite social issues linked to gambling, such as addiction and financial instability.
Noboa’s administration has emphasized that this approach is designed to support economic growth without encouraging widespread gambling. By limiting casinos to luxury hotels and tying revenue to public welfare initiatives, the government hopes to strike a balance between development and social responsibility.
The referendum questions must still pass a legal review by the Constitutional Court before the National Electoral Council can schedule a vote. If approved by the public, additional legislation would be needed to put the casino framework into action. The outcome could play a significant role in shaping Noboa’s broader reform agenda heading into the 2026 local elections.
