PAGCOR Owns Up to Oversights in Supervising POGOs, Enhances Crackdown Efforts
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), responsible for regulating casinos in the Philippines and currently operating state-owned gambling establishments, is keeping a promise made just a few weeks ago. PAGCOR aims to clean up the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) sector by requiring all POGOs to apply for a new license.
By September 17th, POGO operators must formally reapply for their licenses. The revised statement emphasizes the importance of acquiring the appropriate license and submitting to a thorough examination.
Previously, PAGCOR acknowledged its inability to effectively control the POGO industry, leading to some operators being connected to human trafficking and money laundering scandals.
Cleaning Up Shop
In an attempt to ensure complete transparency and legality in the industry, PAGCOR will thoroughly scrutinize the owners of the businesses. It warned that swift punishments will be doled out for any involvement in criminal activities.
The ambitious plan to uphold the integrity of the POGO sector is led by lawyer Jessa Fernandez, vice president of PAGCOR's licensing division. Fernandez emphasized that the new system won't issue licenses to companies exceeding the scope of their current permits. Additionally, those who hold licenses, provide services, or fail to comply with these conditions could face potential cancellation, rendering them incapable of renewing their permits.
The reforms were endorsed by PAGCOR's board on July 17th, with the aim of making the process more stringent. PAGCOR commenced the exercise on July 17th, and their most recent announcement seeks to emphasize the gravity of the overhaul.
This is expected to be more than a simple paper exercise. Alongside a detailed examination of the businesses' personnel and daily operations, PAGCOR is imposing harsher restrictions on the licensing process.
One of these updates requires operators to have a higher amount of capital on hand. Previously, only PHP15 million was needed, along with a PHP3 million payment. Now, the requirements include PHP100 million and PHP25 million.
The maximum size for a POGO's premises has been reduced to 25,000 square meters (approximately 269,000 square feet) for each of their properties. Further, a separate license is needed for each property, with validity lasting for just two years.
POGOs Still Stoke Controversy
On a recent Wednesday, the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) acknowledged that POGOs in Clark, Pampanga, and Las Piñas City, Philippines, were housing 17 fugitives. Nine of these individuals were found at Sun Valley Clark, and the other eight were employees at a POGO in Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City.
The fugitives, whose countries of origin were not provided, were not detained. Instead, they were turned over to their respective embassies in the Philippines.
A group of legislators, led by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, frequently expresses support for POGOs' prohibition in the country, citing their association with criminal activities and their adverse impact on society. Additionally, these lawmakers call for PAGCOR to transition from managing casinos to functioning as a dedicated regulator.
For now, neither initiative has made substantial progress, presenting no threat to the remaining operators or the regulator.
Read also:
- Games Industry Research: Carbon Emissions of Top Video Games
- U.S. cities with the most Swifties per capita
- Blackjack Casino Advantage: How to Beat the Odds
- Football 101: What is relegation in football?
Source: www.casino.org
