Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism qualified the decision to declare the country free of casinos as historical

With regards to this decision, Ehlers put Russia as an example, where months ago a similar measure was adopted. He said that in the international sector the relationship between casinos and international mafias has been proven.

The officer explained that there are 32 casinos in Ecuador with licenses granted by the Ministry of Tourism. He added that the different institutions of the state coordinate the way in which the presidential decision will be executed. “It will be a process. In the following days, it will be presented the resolution to achieve that the country is free of games of chance as soon as possible,” added Ehlers.

Ministry of Government, Gustavo Jalkh, indicated that several gambling venues obtained licenses by “illegal appeals for protection”. Besides, some representatives from the touristic sector are against the elimination of games of chance.

Luis Suárez, president of the National Hostelling Federation, expressed that casinos “are part of the services brought by a hotel”. In his view, the tourist sector would be affected because foreign visitors consider casinso as an element of distraction and entertainment. He pointed that most Latin American countries allow games of chance. That’s why, he affirmed that, if the measure succeeds, Ecuadorian hotels would be in disadvantage.

Roque Sevilla, president of the National Federation of Tourist Chambers, affirmed that casinos are located in top-level hotels, the tourism would be affected. He added that he will expect to see a proposal to issue wider criteria. At the same time, he pointed that he will expect to know the official proposal to talk with the associates and take a decision.

Besides, the Ecuadorian Association of Casinos and Bingo Halls warned that around 3,000 people would lose their jobs with the amendment that aims to eliminate games of chance in the country.

Jaime Roura, representative of the Association, pointed that the measure is, in part, correct, because illegal games will be eliminated. However, he said, it is also worrying because legal business will have to close, which means that workers will have to be dismissed.

“If casinos are eliminated, hotels will lose an important service (...) A hotel could pass from five-star category to a four or three star category, and that would harm their promotion abroad”, pointed Roura.