The government of Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso has issued a ban on sports betting ads, an action the Professional Soccer League of Ecuador—known as LigaPro—has vowed to appeal to the courts, Yogonet reported August 29.
Article 56 was issued to the Organic Law of Communication, and says “Misleading advertising is prohibited, as well as any type of advertising or propaganda of child pornography, cigarettes, controlled substances and any type of betting system or sports predictions . . .”
In June, Ecuador’s Constitutional Court approved a uniform tax for sports betting, which will be in force the first of next year, and will apply to all 26 sportsbooks in the country.
LigaPro said in a statement: “This ban not only has a direct impact on the financial health of soccer and the entertainment industry but also highlights a disturbing trend on the part of the current government regarding the sports industry.”
In announcing its appeal, LigaPro added, “it seems that the Government is also unaware that the clubs have made their respective long-term budgets based on these revenues, precisely also for the payments to their players, coaches, suppliers, and other participants in this industry.”
It argues that the ban “adds an additional element of uncertainty and difficulty” calling it an “attack on soccer, investment, and entertainment.”
