President Noboa of Ecuador abandons casino referendum

Lea Hogg January 24, 2024

President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador made a significant decision about casinos this week that has stirred up the nation. He announced the cancellation of a popular consultation that could have paved the way for the re-introduction of casinos in the country. This announcement was made through a message that was broadcast by his office, stating that gambling would not be included in the upcoming proposals. The potential return of casinos, slot halls, and sports betting was initially one of the 11 questions that President Noboa wanted the Ecuadorian citizens to answer in a forthcoming referendum on crucial issues. These questions were submitted to the Constitutional Court for approval. However, the executive decided to remove question 11, which asked the citizens whether they were for or against the return of gambling.

Reasons behind withdrawal

President Noboa, in his broadcasted message, confirmed his intention to bring at least ten of these questions on security, justice, and employment to a popular consultation. However, he clarified that he had withdrawn the question on casinos and games of chance. His reason? He believes that the citizen debate related to this issue is not appropriate at this time. This decision came after President Noboa faced criticism from several lawmakers. They argued that the re-introduction of casinos could potentially be exploited by organized crime syndicates for money laundering. Despite the withdrawal of the gambling question, the president ratified the other questions from the first block of topics proposed for the popular consultation. These questions are primarily aimed at enabling the Government to adopt structural measures to address problems such as insecurity. The President pointed out that the citizen debate should concentrate on “the recovery of peace, the fight against terrorist groups, the consolidation of the State’s institutions, and the generation of employment.” This statement was part of a letter released by the Communication Secretariat of the Presidency.

Earlier this month, President Noboa ordered the “neutralization” of criminal gangs following a series of violent incidents, including an attack on a TV studio and the execution of prison guards by inmates. The remaining 136 prison guards and administrative workers who were taken hostage have since been freed. The gangs initiated their attacks after Noboa declared a nationwide state of emergency following the escape of Jose Adolfo Macias, the leader of Ecuador’s largest gang.

Despite these developments, tensions remain high in the country.