PAGCOR eyes resumption of casino operations in June or July

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) is considering the resumption of casino operations this month or next as it underscored the gaming industry’s contribution in generating jobs as well as revenues needed to boost the economy post-COVID-19 crisis.

In a statement, PAGCOR chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo said the gaming regulator is hopeful that its owned and operated casinos can “resume operations this June or at the very latest in July.”

In a separate text message, Domingo said casinos are allowed to reopen in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) but at 50% operating capacity.

The rest of the country is now under an MGCQ, while Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Region II, Region III, Region IV-A, Region VII, Cebu City, Mandaue City, Zamboanga City, and Davao City have transitioned to general community quarantine (GCQ) from June 1 until 15.

Domingo said the resumption of gaming operations in the country will not only benefit PAGCOR and the government but will also trigger economic activities.

“The local gaming industry employs about 132,000 direct hires. It also generates many other economic activities and businesses like restaurants, hotels, malls in Integrated Resorts (IRs), services, transport and real estate,” she said.

“There will be more economic employment opportunities when other gaming stations and casinos open.”

PAGCOR has suspended casino operations and other gaming activities on March 15, when the government imposed lockdown measures to arrest COVID-19 spread.

“We would have been doing very well but then COVID came, and somehow we have to take three steps back. But we’re going to get back and provide funding for the government which is badly needed now,” Domingo said.

PAGCOR said it has been contributing significantly to the national coffers because of effective regulations and operations.

“Aside from our mandated contributions, we recently contributed P12 billion cash dividends to the National Treasury. We also gave P2.5 billion to the Office of the President (OP) to help the Department of Health purchase personal protective equipment (PPEs) and medical equipment they need to fight COVID,” Domingo said.

“We likewise  gave P12 billion to the OP’s Socio-Civic Projects Fund, a portion of which is being used to provide free medicines to government hospitals and military officials every month,” she added.

PAGCOR also remitted an additional P5 billion cash dividends to the National Treasury, bringing the agency’s cash dividends contribution for 2019 to P17 billion.

Domingo said as the regulator and operator of casinos in the country, they ensure that there is a level playing field where players are protected and government revenues are properly collected. --KBK, GMA News