Pagcor suspends all gaming in casinos, bingo halls

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has suspended all gaming activities in casinos and other licensed gaming places, such as bingo halls and electronic game or e-gaming centers or hubs in Metro Manila, to comply with the community quarantine order of President Duterte.

It said the suspension applies to land-based casinos (both Pagcor-owned and operated as well as all licensed and integrated resort casinos), e-game cafes, traditional and electronic bingo halls, ports betting, poker and slot machine clubs, and other activities regulated by Pagcor.

The suspension will last for the duration of the community quarantine imposed by the government.

Andrea Domingo, Pagcor chairperson, said the suspension also covered regions or cities where local government units (LGUs) have or will declare a community quarantine like Cebu, Davao City and Ilocos Norte.

“The instructions to our operations people is that they will automatically close all gaming stations upon the declaration of community quarantine in their area,” she told The STAR.

Zeroing in on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Pagcor ordered operators to limit the number of their employees in the workplace, and ensure that those in their living quarters observe the quarantine.

“As regards (POGO), only a minimum number of workers will be allowed in their workplaces. The rest of POGO workers will be restricted to their respective living quarters where they will observe social distancing and quarantine protocols,” Pagcor said.

It also said that “in accordance with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea’s directive, restaurants and food outlets within the gaming areas may remain open.”

“Hotels where the casinos and gaming facilities are housed may continue to accommodate guests, but are discouraged from hosting large functions and events,” the agency added.