Civil unrest in Ecuador caused by the prison break of a drug lord has prompted President Daniel Noboa to withdraw proposed gambling regulations that recently began a consultation, SBC News reported January 19.
Just after the New Year the president informed the Constitutional Court that it had 20 days to issue a public notice on questions including security and justice prior to launching a regulated gaming market.
Putting a crowbar into the plans was the unexpected escape from prison on January 7 of Adolfo “Fito” Macías, a cartel chief. This sparked a confrontation between the armed forces and the cartels.
The president released a statement announcing a pause on virtually all government actions until the fighting is resolved.
The gambling proposals are also expected to spark partisan debate among those who see gambling as a way for the cartels to gain more power.
However, as the situation returns to normal, political watchers expect the president will again open the door for a regulated casino and bingo market in the country, which has banned them for 13 years.
Although physical casinos and bookmaking are banned, no laws apply to online gambling.
