Ecuador: "Banning the legal encourages the illegal"

What is your opinion regarding the prohibition of gambling?
The situation was quite surprising, because of the excuse that "gambling increased public insecurity,” and we know that in practice this is not real. The 32 companies operating in the country are legally constituted and registered with the Ministry of Tourism, they have permissions and licenses. We know that many illegal businesses have called habeas corpus to operate and have been granted, but it is not our case neither the common denominator of the industry.

How does the ban on gambling damage the tourism?
There are several ways to affect tourism. If gambling disappears, the black market will emerge, and that would increase the uncertainty, because the mafia, whether national or international, will want to take over such business. By prohibiting the legal, encourages the illegal.

Do you think that the situation violates the right to freely choose who wants to play and who does not?
That threatens not only the right to choose, but goes against the leisure and entertainment to any person entitled, and which is also mentioned in the Constitution.

How many direct jobs are created by casinos in Ecuador?
The country, in this sector, has between 23.000 to 25.000 direct jobs, and has stipulated that there are approximately 440.000 affected. Among those servicing the sector are traders, importers and suppliers.

If the “Yes” wins the consultation, what action will be taken?
We will study the legal action at the right time. What we are sure of is that we protect our investments.

Do you agree with rules governing the operation of casinos?
We are against a ban, not regulation. In addition, it already applies to us every day. For the last 10 months, the local financial analysis unit sends a monthly list of people who play more than a month US$ 10.000, which is a form of control.