Ecuador: an untapped geography of opportunity for igaming affiliates

Ecuador is emerging as a noteworthy opportunity for igaming affiliates seeking to expand into new, underexplored markets. With low competition, cost-effective traffic and a growing interest in online gambling, the country presents a compelling case for industry professionals.

Here, affiliate programme PIN-UP Partners provides a comprehensive analysis of Ecuador’s igaming landscape, covering key market insights, trends, high-performing traffic sources and proven strategies for effective advertising and conversion optimisation.

Market overview

While Ecuador may not be one of the largest markets in Latam, it represents a tier-three country with significant potential for igaming affiliates. The combination of a stable economy, an expanding digital audience and high mobile penetration makes it a market worth evaluating.

With a population of 18.9 million, Ecuador has a relatively young and digitally engaged demographic. The median age is 28.8 years, and 64% of the population falls within the working-age bracket (18-64 years). This is a key factor for affiliates, as younger audiences are more inclined toward online entertainment.

From a financial behaviour standpoint, Ecuador is a mobile-first economy. Approximately 67% of transactions occur via mobile payment systems, while credit cards account for 25%. Other methods, including e-wallets, prepaid cards and bank transfers, make up a relatively small portion of overall transactions. Given this landscape, mobile-optimised igaming campaigns are essential for effectively reaching Ecuadorian consumers.

The country’s internet penetration continues to rise, with 83.6% of the population (15.29 million people) actively online in 2024. The majority of users access the internet via smartphones, with 77.8% using Android devices and 22.2% using iOS or other operating systems. Mobile internet speeds average 21.54 mbps, while fixed broadband reaches 77.65 mbps, ensuring reliable connectivity for online gambling platforms. (Source: DataReportal)

Gambling in Ecuador

In 2011, the Ecuadorian government implemented a nationwide ban on land-based casinos and gaming halls, effectively shutting down all physical gambling establishments. As technology advanced and internet access expanded, online casinos rapidly emerged as the preferred alternative. With no regulated land-based options available, a rising number of Ecuadorians turned to digital platforms for entertainment, contributing to the rapid expansion of the online gambling market.

A pivotal policy change occurred in October 2024, when President Daniel Noboa lifted the ban on gambling and sports betting advertisements across media platforms. This decision marked a significant shift toward potential legalisation and regulation of the sector, reflecting the increasing public interest and the government’s recognition of its economic potential.

When analysing gambling preferences in Ecuador, a clear trend emerges: slots and crash games dominate the market. Ecuadorian players gravitate toward fast-paced, high-reward gaming experiences that deliver continuous engagement and excitement.

On the other hand, football dominates the sports betting market in Ecuador, deeply embedded in the nation’s culture in a manner comparable to its significance in Brazil. Betting on football matches remains the most popular choice among Ecuadorians.

Traffic sources for Ecuador that convert best

At present, Ecuador’s traffic sources are demonstrating exceptionally strong conversion rates, reflecting the market’s status as a new and relatively untapped geography for igaming affiliates. However, certain acquisition channels are yielding particularly impressive results.

App Store Optimisation (ASO) and Facebook plus iOS apps have emerged as the most effective sources for new registrations, achieving conversion rates of 86% and 68%, respectively. This data underscores a clear trend: mobile traffic dominates the market.

Five things to consider when creating ads and landing pages (and not losing your budget)

Before developing creatives and landing pages to target this geography, it is essential to understand the preferences and behaviours of Ecuadorian users. Marketing strategies that are effective in other regions may not yield the same results in Latam. Simply replicating a standard approach without localisation can lead to inefficient ad spend and lower conversion rates.

1. First impressions matter

Visual presentation plays a crucial role in campaign effectiveness. High-impact designs featuring bright colours, bold contrasts and clean yet engaging layouts tend to perform well in Ecuador. While dynamic and energetic imagery resonates strongly with the local audience, it is important to strike a balance; excessive visual complexity can reduce clarity and hinder user engagement.

Overly complex designs, excessive text or cluttered visuals can negatively impact user engagement and reduce conversion rates. The key principle for effective ad creatives is to maintain simplicity and visual appeal.

2. Speak their language (literally)

Localisation is a critical factor in effectively engaging Ecuadorian audiences. While Spanish is the dominant language, regional variations in vocabulary and phrasing distinguish Ecuadorian Spanish from that spoken in Spain or Mexico. Direct translations may not always resonate with local players, making cultural and linguistic adaptation essential.

Affiliates partnering with PIN-UP Partners can leverage pre-localised promotions tailored to Ecuadorian players, providing a competitive advantage in user acquisition and engagement.

3. Ecuadorians love bonuses

Promotional incentives such as welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback offers and seasonal promotions are highly effective in driving engagement and conversions. Integrating these incentives into ad creatives and landing pages is strongly recommended; however, they must be used strategically and transparently.

4. Local payment methods equals higher conversions

Payment methods play a crucial role in user trust and conversion rates. While Ecuadorians primarily rely on bank cards for transactions, local payment solutions are also widely adopted. Incorporating familiar banking logos, such as Banco Pichincha (the largest bank in Ecuador), Banco Guayaquil and Produbanco into marketing materials can enhance credibility and encourage deposits.

Additionally, peer-to-peer (P2P) payment systems such as PayPhone and PayClub are gaining traction, alongside prepaid solutions like PagoEfectivo. 

5. Timing is everything – tap into seasonal trends

Seasonal trends and cultural events play a significant role in consumer engagement. Local competitions, including the Ecuadorian Serie A (LigaPro) and the Ecuadorian national team’s participation in World Cup qualifiers and Copa América, also generate heightened interest. 

Beyond sports, national holidays present additional opportunities for targeted campaigns. Key dates such as Carnival (February or March), Independence Day (10 August), Christmas and New Year’s Eve serve as peak periods for online engagement. 

Why is Ecuador a great tier-three geography for igaming affiliates to drive traffic in 2025?

Ecuador presents a compelling opportunity for igaming affiliates due to its low competition and cost-effective traffic acquisition. Unlike heavily saturated Latam markets, where affiliates face intense competition, Ecuador remains relatively untapped, providing a strategic advantage for early entrants.

Additionally, reduced competition translates to lower advertising costs, allowing affiliates to acquire players at a fraction of the price compared to more established markets. This results in a higher return on investment (ROI) on both cost per action (CPA) and RevShare models.

The next big opportunity for affiliates. Are you in?

Affiliates who move quickly can establish a strong foothold, drive high-converting traffic and maximise profitability before competition intensifies. Join PIN-UP Partners today and take advantage of everything Ecuador has to offer in the igaming sector.