According to a recent report in the Manila Standard newspaper, the Philippine Games and Amusement Corp. (PAGCOR) has revoked the permits of 124 online e-game outlets throughout the country as it claims that they have violated its existing rules and regulations – specifically that the permit holders did not have actual venues.
PAGCOR will not be renewing permits for a further 424 e-games and 302 e-bingo outlets and will not be issuing any further licenses according to comments made by PAGCOR chairperson Andrea Domingo at a media forum.
According to Domingo, a black market in permit exists, with corrupt individuals paying P40,000 in permit fees while they sell the permits on for “several millions of pesos”. Domingo also revealed that the Philippines government earns approximately P8 billion to P9 billion a year (US$190 million) from online gambling alone.
Domingo went on to say that as from next year, PAGCOR’s contributions to government agencies will be consolidated through the Bureau of Treasury in the interests of transparency and accountability and for inclusion in the national budget.
Domingo also claimed that:
- PAGCOR delivers to the government the largest share of all state-owned assets;
- That a task force to combat illegal gambling is currently being assembled and will include police and other law enforcement agencies and;
- That a survey is being carried out of gambling venues and their proximity to schools, churches and other sensitive areas.
It would appear as though, only organizations that are involved in offering services to Philippines residents are so far under scrutiny.