Lawmaker bats for R3,000 casino entrance fee

A House leader has sought the collection of a 13,000 casino entrance charge from any and all persons entering any casino and similar gaming establishments.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, who is part of the House contingent to the influential Commission on Appointments, said there is a need to strengthen regulations on the participation or engagement of individuals in casino gambling.

“A casino entrance charge, collected from any person who is not an official or employee of any casino every time he or she enters a casino and similar gaming establishments, will serve as a deterrent to those who lack the resources or can ill afford to engage in casino gambling from entering any casino, “he said.

Albano filed House Bill 5871 to ensure that persons entering any and all casinos have the financial resources to engage in any form of gambling and related activities and to strengthen the regulation of gambling activities in the country.

“The charges collected shall constitute a special fund which shall be utilized for the establishment and maintenance of children and youth welfare centers to be established nationwide under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),” the House leader said.

He said 50 percent of the amount collected in the casino shall be used for children and youth welfare programs in the city or municipality where the casino is located.

House Bill 5871 mandates the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the DSWD to formulate and promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed Act.