Ecuador’s President, Daniel Noboa, has tasked the Constitutional Court with discovering what the country’s public thinks about gambling.
The Constitutional Court will publish around 11 questions within an official Public Consultation in the next three weeks to collect the public’s opinions on different issues, including gambling regulation.
Casinos and bingo halls were banned throughout Ecuador in 2011 by former President Rafael Correa as a means to create a “healthier environment” throughout the country.
As a result, following its approval in October 2013, the operation of land-based gambling venues was classified as a crime under the Comprehensive Organic Penal Code.
Current President Noboa is now looking to reverse the ban and regulate the industry, justifying the potential decision by mentioning that it could help to create more jobs and support the country’s economy.
“Do you agree that casinos, game rooms, betting houses or businesses dedicated to gambling are allowed to operate, under the conditions detailed in the Annex to question 11?” the proposal read.
According to the government, the regulation of gambling is a “solution that, as long as it is carefully regulated, will contribute to strengthening economic stability and consequently, mitigate the insecurity in dangerous areas”.
The government noted that the gambling ban “had a negative impact on job creation, since after 2011, 25,000 places were lost, which were established in the 160 gaming rooms nationwide”.
In addition, the government has stated that “the authorisation of casinos, game rooms, betting houses or businesses dedicated to gambling also becomes a mechanism to combat illegal activities by dismantling clandestine operations, through correct regulation and control of this activity”.
