By Chino Leyco
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) suspended all gaming operations in Metro Manila following the community quarantine order by the President to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) (MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement, the gaming regulator said Sunday that the suspension applies to land-based casinos, both Pagcor-owned and operated, as well as all licensed and integrated resort-casinos.
Also covered by the Pagcor order are the electronic game (eGames), bingo (traditional and electronic), sports betting, poker and slot machine clubs, and other activities regulated by the agency.
Pagcor said the temporary closure of gaming activities in Metro Manila will last for the duration of the community quarantine imposed by the national government.
Meanwhile, restaurants and food outlets within the gaming areas may remain open, Pagcor said.
Hotels where the casinos and gaming facilities are housed may also continue to accommodate guests, but are discouraged from hosting large functions and events, the agency added.
“Pagcor believes in the seriousness of the COVID 19 situation. Hence, it supports the government’s extreme effort in containing the virus,” the regulator said.
“For its part, the state-run gaming agency has decided to prohibit public gatherings in its gaming venues and in the licensed gaming properties that it regulates,” it added.
Pagcor said the measure was intended to ensure the safety of both gaming employees and customers and eventually, the general public.
For Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), Pagcor said that only a minimum number of workers will be allowed in their workplaces.
The rest of POGO workers will be restricted to their respective living quarters where they will observe social distancing and quarantine protocols, Pagcor said.
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) (MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement, the gaming regulator said Sunday that the suspension applies to land-based casinos, both Pagcor-owned and operated, as well as all licensed and integrated resort-casinos.
Also covered by the Pagcor order are the electronic game (eGames), bingo (traditional and electronic), sports betting, poker and slot machine clubs, and other activities regulated by the agency.
Pagcor said the temporary closure of gaming activities in Metro Manila will last for the duration of the community quarantine imposed by the national government.
Meanwhile, restaurants and food outlets within the gaming areas may remain open, Pagcor said.
Hotels where the casinos and gaming facilities are housed may also continue to accommodate guests, but are discouraged from hosting large functions and events, the agency added.
“Pagcor believes in the seriousness of the COVID 19 situation. Hence, it supports the government’s extreme effort in containing the virus,” the regulator said.
“For its part, the state-run gaming agency has decided to prohibit public gatherings in its gaming venues and in the licensed gaming properties that it regulates,” it added.
Pagcor said the measure was intended to ensure the safety of both gaming employees and customers and eventually, the general public.
For Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), Pagcor said that only a minimum number of workers will be allowed in their workplaces.
The rest of POGO workers will be restricted to their respective living quarters where they will observe social distancing and quarantine protocols, Pagcor said.