The government of Rafael Correa ordered the immediate closure of the casinos and bookmakers that operate in the country, in accordance with the popular consultation in which 3.9 million Ecuadorians supported the proposal to ban these establishments, in order to combat "the vice of gambling."
The decree that contemplates these restrictions also grants an additional period of six months to casinos located in four- and five-star hotels to close their doors, which would give employers time to manage the payment of compensation to employees who, according to the Deputy Minister of Labor Relations, Francisco Vaca, are mandatory.
The official explained that the 5,500 employees who depended on these establishments will enter into a training plan that aims at their reintegration into other activities of the tourism, restaurateur and hotel sector, as well as in electricity, electronics, security, administrative assistance, among others.
The dissatisfaction with the measure has been felt. HOTEL MANAGEMENT tried to contact several managers of luxury hotels that offer the casino service, but most said they could not declare anything about it until there is authorization from their parent companies.
Meanwhile, in the national newspaper Última Hora, the president of the Chamber of Tourism of Guayas said that the dismantling of these establishments and the total settlement of the obligations would take at least three years: "The period is not enough even for the gambling halls, much less for the legally constituted casinos, because it is impossible to reschedule these activities in six months."
It is expected that in the coming hours the unions and organizations protecting the right to work will pronounce themselves, as well as the hotel guild that until now has maintained silence in the face of determination.
