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Gambling & Betting in Ecuador: A GEO Review for Affiliates
Low competition, affordable traffic, and a massive appetite for gambling and betting sound like a dream come true for affiliates, don’t they? Well, it’s no fantasy, and we’re talking about Ecuador. PIN-UP Partners has officially opened the door to traffic from this exciting market, and the results are already turning heads.
Ecuador might not be the first country you think of when it comes to iGaming affiliates, but that’s exactly what makes it worth paying attention to. It’s an untapped market, and often, the most significant profits come from the places people overlook.
In this article, PIN-UP Partners will walk you through everything you need to know about this hidden gem of a GEO. From essential details about the country and the state of gambling and betting in Ecuador to the best traffic sources and strategies for creating high-converting ads, we’ve got you covered. Ready to explore a fresh opportunity? Let’s dive in!
Basic information: Ecuador at a glance
While Ecuador may not be the largest market in Latin America, it’s a TIER-3 country with massive potential for iGaming affiliates. With a stable economy, a thriving online audience, and strong mobile usage, this market might not be on everyone’s radar just yet. But for those who can spot the opportunity, it’s a chance to get ahead of the curve.
With a population of 18.9 million, Ecuador has a young and digitally connected demographic. The average age is just 28.8 years, and 64% of the population falls within the working age range of 18–64 years. This is great news for affiliates, as younger audiences tend to be more drawn to online entertainment and gambling, making them a prime target for iGaming offers.
One of the standout features of Ecuador is its currency stability. Since 2000, the country has been using the U.S. dollar, unlike many other Latin American nations. This eliminates the uncertainty of exchange rate fluctuations, making financial transactions more predictable and hassle-free for affiliates operating in the region.
Salaries vary depending on the industry and region, but as of 2024:
- The average monthly salary: $520
- The minimum wage: $460
In Ecuador’s big cities and certain industries, earnings can range from $500 to $1,200 or more. But the economy isn’t just driven by locals. Ecuador has become a popular destination for wealthy retirees from the U.S. and Europe, attracted by its warm climate, ocean views, and affordable cost of living. Many settle in upscale areas, where they enjoy good food, sunshine, and the occasional online bet or casino game.
When it comes to payment preferences, Ecuador is a mobile-first country. Around 67% of transactions are made through mobile payments, while credit cards account for 25%. E-wallets, prepaid cards, and bank transfers make up a small fraction. This means mobile-optimized campaigns aren’t just important but essential.
With 83.6% of the population online in 2024 (about 15.29 million people), internet penetration is steadily growing. Most people access the web via smartphones, with 77.8% using Android devices. Mobile-friendly offers are a must, especially given the average mobile internet speed of 21.54 Mbps and fixed connections averaging 77.65 Mbps.
Social media is a hotspot for engagement in Ecuador. Popular platforms are:
- TikTok: 12.66M users
- Facebook: 12.5M
- YouTube: 11.7M
- WhatsApp: 8.9M
- Instagram: 6.5M
These platforms are the go-to traffic sources for anyone looking to promote iGaming or betting offers in Ecuador.
From a localization perspective, younger Ecuadorians are becoming more familiar with English, so it’s essential to adapt your ads and landing pages to Spanish to maximize your reach and engagement.
Gambling in Ecuador
Gambling in Ecuador has unexpectedly advanced. In 2011, the government banned land-based casinos, but that didn’t stop Ecuadorians from gambling. As internet access grew, online casinos filled the gap, driving the rise of digital gambling.
In October 2024, President Daniel Noboa lifted the ban on gambling and sports betting ads, signaling a shift toward legalization and regulation. This move reflects the growing public interest in gambling in the country.
When it comes to gambling preferences, Ecuadorian players are all about fast-paced, high-reward games. Slots and crash games are leading the pack, keeping the adrenaline flowing. On popular online platforms frequented by Ecuadorians, these slots are among the top picks, categorized by their themes:
As for the most-played slots on PIN-UP Partners’ product, here are the TOP 5 games worth attention:
- Sweet Bonanza
- Aviator
- Balloon
- Super 7s
- Hot to burn
Ecuador’s gambling landscape is undergoing a significant shift. While the country once had strict gambling regulations, recent legal changes are opening the door for industry growth. As a result, online casinos are gaining popularity, and with Ecuadorians’ increasing interest in digital gaming, this market is one to watch.
Betting in Ecuador
When it comes to sports betting in Ecuador, football takes the crown supreme. The sport is deeply embedded in the country’s culture, much like in Brazil, and betting on football matches is the most popular choice among Ecuadorians. With the national team regularly competing in international tournaments like the World Cup and Copa América, excitement builds, driving a surge in bets on their games.
Locally, three clubs dominate the football scene:
- Barcelona SC (Guayaquil)
- Emelec
- LDU Quito
When it comes to player favorites, stars like Enner Valencia, Pervis Estupiñán, and Moisés Caicedo are national icons, with fans eagerly betting on their performances. If you’re running betting traffic around sports events, be sure to highlight these teams and star players in your creatives—they’re sure to resonate with the local audience.
While football is the main attraction, Ecuadorians also enjoy betting on basketball, tennis, volleyball, and rugby. Here are some key teams to include in your campaigns:
- Barcelona Sporting Club (Basketball)
- Leones de Riobamba (Basketball)
- Guerreros de Santo Domingo (Basketball)
- Piratas de Los Lagos (Basketball)
- Emelec (Baseball)
- San Francisco University of Quito (Men’s Volleyball)
- UVIV Guayaquil Club (Women’s Volleyball)
- Cerberos Rugby Club (Rugby)
If you’re targeting the Ecuadorian betting market, focusing on these teams and sports can help boost engagement and conversions. The passion for sports is strong in Ecuador, and tapping into that enthusiasm with the right creatives can truly make a difference.
Traffic sources for Ecuador that convert best
Right now, traffic sources for Ecuador are converting well, especially with ASO and FB + iOS apps, which lead at 86% and 68% conversion rates. Mobile traffic is dominating. For deposit conversions, branded SEO takes the lead at 24%, showing Ecuadorians’ trust in well-known brands. Branded search traffic is expected to grow even more in the next six months, making it a great time to establish a presence. To maximize success in Ecuador, focusing on these channels is key.
5 things to consider when creating ads & landing pages (and not losing your budget)
Before creating your creatives and landing pages for Ecuador, it’s important to understand what works for this audience. Latin American users have unique preferences, so copying your usual ad strategy might not get the results you want.
Let’s see what works for Ecuadorians:
1. First impressions matter: Bright, bold visuals work best. Keep designs simple, clean, and eye-catching. Avoid cluttered graphics or too much text. Clear and striking visuals lead to better conversions.
2. Speak their language: Localization is key. Ecuadorian Spanish has local slang, so avoid generic translations. For example, use “Bono de registro” instead of “Bono de bienvenida” and “gana billete” instead of “gana dinero.” Work with native speakers to ensure your ads feel natural.
3. Ecuadorians LOVE bonuses: Welcome bonuses and free spins are big draws, but don’t overpromise. Keep your offers exciting, clear, and honest to build trust and keep players coming back.
4. Local payment methods boost conversions: Ecuadorians prefer local banks (like Banco Pichincha) and P2P systems (like PayPhone). Including familiar payment options can increase comfort and encourage deposits.
5. Timing is key: Tap into seasonal trends and cultural events, especially football tournaments. Aligning with major events or national holidays can make your campaigns feel more relevant.
Why is Ecuador a great tier-3 GEO for iGaming affiliates to drive traffic in 2025?
Let’s get to the point: low competition and cheap traffic. Ecuador is still a fresh, untapped market for iGaming affiliates. Unlike saturated LatAm GEOs, where competition is fierce, Ecuador offers a clean slate with fewer rivals. This means better chances of ranking higher, improving conversion rates, and experimenting with campaigns without the usual bidding wars.
Less competition also means super affordable traffic. With lower ad costs, you can acquire players for much less than in crowded regions. This translates to a higher ROI on CPA and RevShare deals and the opportunity to test new traffic sources without draining your budget.
Ecuador: the next big opportunity for affiliates – are you in?
Let’s be real—Ecuador probably wasn’t on your radar before, but now you can see why it should be. With low competition, cheap traffic, and a growing audience eager for online gambling and sports betting, this market is full of potential. A dollarized economy, strong mobile usage, and increasing interest in iGaming make Ecuador a prime opportunity for those who act fast.
So, are you ready to test Ecuador and start profiting from this fresh market? If you’re in, join PIN-UP Partners today, drive traffic to this high-potential GEO, and capitalize on everything Ecuador has to offer.
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