Online poker in Ecuador operates in a complex regulatory environment where land-based gambling has been banned since 2011, but online gambling including poker remains largely unregulated. Online poker has only been legal in Ecuador since 2017, though this claim appears contradicted by the broader regulatory framework. While land-based casinos and gambling establishments were prohibited through the 'Reglamento de Juegos de Azar practicados en Casinos y Salas de Juego' that came into effect in March 2012, no specific laws have been enacted to address online gambling activities including poker (1).
The regulatory oversight for gambling activities in Ecuador falls under the Ministry of Sports, which has been designated by executive decree to administer and enforce the legal framework for sports betting, including the issuance and renewal of licenses (2). However, this authority primarily focuses on sports betting operations rather than online casino games or poker. The Ministry of Sports issues licenses for sports betting operators with annual fees of $307,850, valid for five years, but no similar licensing framework exists specifically for online poker operations.
"The principal regulatory authority responsible for overseeing gambling activities in Ecuador is the Ministry of Sports. This body has been designated by executive decree to administer and enforce the legal framework for sports betting."
The absence of specific online poker regulation creates a legal gray area where international poker platforms can operate without explicit prohibition. Recent developments in Ecuador's gambling sector focus primarily on sports betting, with Executive Decree No. 313 establishing a 15% gross revenue tax for sports betting operators and new licensing requirements. While these reforms demonstrate Ecuador's evolving approach to online gambling regulation, online poker remains outside the current regulatory framework, leaving operators and players in a state of legal uncertainty without clear licensing pathways or consumer protections.
Source:
https://lcb.org/restrictions/ecuador
https://legalpilot.com/country/ecuador/
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
