NBI raids Makati arcade where players gambled for empty prize boxes

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation have raided an alleged illegal gambling operation that was made to look like a legitimate video game arcade, with patrons playing for prizes, including boxes that turn out to be empty.

According to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras,” the NBI Dangerous Drugs Division conducted the raid at the amusement center in Makati City, where 25 Japanese nationals and one Taiwanese national were caught allegedly playing.

"May mga players, bibili ng card, tapos yung card ang ipinanlalaro. Nag-e-earn ka rito ng points. Pag nakakuha ng points, pupunta sa isang counter, doon nila i-claim yung prize, ballpen, umbrella," NBI Director Melvin Matibag said.

(Players buy cards, which they use to play and earn points. With the points earned, the players go to a counter where they claim prizes like a ballpen or an umbrella.)

The prizes also include expensive gadgets inside sealed boxes on shelves. Players who claimed the prizes were directed to the third floor, where the items were allegedly exchanged for cash.

However, the boxes, including those of cellphones, turned out to be empty, proving that the whole operation was just a scheme.

The owner denied operating an illegal gambling business, saying, "Buy and sell kasi ako sir. Binabuy ko at sinesell ko rin sa establishment with my 2% na patong."

(I’m into the buy-and-sell business. I buy and sell them in my establishment for a 2-percent profit.)

Authorities said disguising the operation as an amusement arcade allowed it to pay lower taxes than licensed casinos.

The owner, several employees, and the patrons arrested during the operation are expected to face charges for alleged violations of the country's anti-illegal gambling laws. –NB, GMA News