Ecuador debates transparency, regulation amid sports betting growth
On March 12, 2026, the Sheraton Hotel in Quito hosted the "Transparency in Gaming" discussion, a meeting where sports authorities and experts analyzed the regulatory challenges of sports betting platforms in the country. The event brought together key figures such as Carlos Tenorio, president of the Ecuadorian Professional Footballers Association; Isaac Álvarez, president of Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito; and Gabriel Drouette, Integrity Director of LigaPro.
Also participating were assembly members Andrés Gushmer and Andrés Castillo, promoter of the Sports Integrity Bill, along with international specialists Mariana Chamelette and Cristina Romero.
During the event, it was revealed that between one and two million Ecuadorians currently use these platforms. This figure underscores the urgency of establishing a legal framework that ensures transparency, resource control, and user protection. Assembly member Andrés Castillo emphasized that regulation must be conceived as a common good with clear rules that protect the competitive essence. For his part, Andrés Gushmer highlighted that the industry's success depends on bringing all stakeholders to a dialogue table under rules respected by everyone.
International and Business Perspectives
Brazilian Mariana Chamelette shared Sao Paulo's experience, where regulation has made it possible to shield the unpredictability of the outcome, a factor she considers the essence of sports. In line with this, Spanish expert Cristina Romero pointed out that robust regulations are the main tool to order the sector's growth and combat the illegal market. From the business sector, Liliana Zuluaga, CEO of Ecuabet, highlighted the importance of these spaces to strengthen the integrity of Ecuadorian football against the emerging risks of the digital environment.
Tags: Ecuador, Ecuador gambling regulation, Ecuador sports betting