Ecuador🇪🇨: regulatory requirements introduced for bookmakers to obtain a license

Ecuador🇪🇨: regulatory requirements introduced for bookmakers to obtain a license

New applicants and operators already active in the country must comply with a series of requirements to obtain and maintain the relevant authorization. The regulations establish the conditions for obtaining the Sports Betting Operator License (LOPD), the only document authorizing this type of activity in Ecuador.

➡️ The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture has published the procedure and requirements applicable to sports betting operators.

📌 Financial and operational requirements:

🟡 Legal status in the country;
🟡 Own capital of USD 500,000;
🟡 A bank guarantee or insurance policy in an amount equal to 1% of the value of the assets.

📌 License validity and cost:

🔹 The license is issued for 5 years;
🔹 The annual renewal cost is 655 basic salaries (approx. USD 315,000 in 2026).

📌 Additional requirements:

🔴 Registration with the Financial and Economic Analysis Unit;
🔴 Technical certification of the platform;
🔴 A separate bank account for operations;
🔴 Implementation of a responsible gambling policy, a risk-based approach, anti-money laundering procedures, data protection and user verification.
🔴 A local legal entity or partner (for foreign companies).

📌 Taxation and restrictions:

🟡 The operator withholds a 15% tax on the total amount of winnings for each event;
🟡 The transaction limit through a bank account or debit card is USD 1,000;
🟡 The transaction limit through a credit card is USD 350.

➡️ Applications will undergo legal, financial, technical and operational assessment within 90 days.

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