Ecuador considers return of luxury hotel casinos in referendum

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has introduced a new national referendum proposal that includes the potential reauthorization of gambling activities in luxury hotels in the country. 

Among the seven questions presented to the Constitutional Court for approval, one specifically asks citizens whether they agree to allow the operation of gaming halls and casinos in five-star hotels.

Casinos and similar establishments have been banned in Ecuador since 2011, when a referendum under former President Rafael Correa resulted in a nationwide prohibition. 

Noboa’s proposal aims to reverse that decision under specific conditions and introduce regulated casino gaming linked to public benefit funding.

According to the text shared by Noboa on social media, authorised hotels would be subject to a 25% tax on gambling-related revenue. 

The funds would be directed toward national programmes focused on reducing chronic child malnutrition and expanding school meal access.

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If approved by the Constitutional Court, the public vote is expected to take place in December. 

The proposed referendum also covers other matters such as foreign military bases, judicial reforms and labour regulations. However, the casino provision revives a longstanding debate about the role of gambling in Ecuador’s economy and regulatory landscape.

Carlos Mendez

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