Gov’t mulls tighter rules on e-gaming locations

The Duterte administration is considering tightening the rules on the distance requirement for electronic gaming sites.

State-owned gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said it was looking at increasing the distance requirement for electronic gaming entities to 500 meters away from schools and churches, above the previous requirement of just 200 meters.

“They’re trying to get this done,” an industry player told The STAR yesterday.

Pagcor raised the idea during a recent hearing of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Games and Amusements.

The industry source said the industry would likely frown on it as such a move could drastrically affect the gaming firm’s business plan.

Another source said changing the rules anew would create uncertainties considering the many challenges the sector has had to deal with so far under the new administration.

The same source said such a plan would also affect Pagcor revenues because one third of existing players might have to close shop if the 500 meter distance requirement is imposed.

Last month, Pagcor said it would no longer revoke the licenses of electronic bingo entities that are located inside malls, arcades and hotels even if they are near schools or churches.

This was in contrast to an earlier directive that the gaming sites must be within 200 meters away from schools and churches.

The gaming regulator is studying whether it will permanently maintain the exemption of malls, arcades and hotels from the distance requirement.

Prior to this, Pagcor revoked the licenses of 120 non-compliant eBingo sites for violating distance restriction guidelines.

This was after President Duterte ordered a crackdown on online gaming.

Formerly owned by businessman Roberto Ongpin.