BIR padlocks 19 branches of Manila Cockers Club for using unregistered off-site betting machines
By Jun Ramirez
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) padlocked on Wednesday night 19 branches of the Manila Cockers Club, Inc. (MCCI) in Quezon City for allegedly using unregistered off-site betting machines.
Revenue Deputy Commissioner for Legal Service Marissa Cabreros, who led the raiding team of revenue and police officers, said more outlets of MCCI located outside the city and nearby provinces will also be closed for the same offense.
"The operation resulted in the constructed confiscation of automated ticket dispensing and off-site cockpit betting machines used by MCC to generate bets from the public in cockfights," Cabreros said.
She said the betting machines were not registered with the BIR as required under Revenue Regulations No. 7-2012.
Cabreros said the betting stations will remain closed until back taxes and fines are paid.
Records showed the online cockfight firm is considered a large taxpayer, operating 132 branches nationwide.
The first to be shuttered was its branch located at the corner of Timog Avenue and Scout Tuazon, Quezon City.
It is primarily engaged in the establishment and operation of cockpits, broadcast of cockfights, and acceptance of bets via conventional and electronic systems.