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| Inside a PAGCOR E-Games Cafe. Photo taken from PAGCOR E-Games website |
MANILA, Philippines -- Patrons of the so-called e-Games Cafes operated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) might just find their favorite gaming havens shuttered one of these days.
An official from the state gaming corporation admitted that many of the 195 online gaming stations they operate nationwide are in illegal locations and need to be closed. He did not however give out a specific number of e-Games cafes that face closure nor their locations.
An e-Games Cafe is basically an internet cafe that offer online versions of most casino and slot games such as video poker, black jack, roulette, and fruit machines. Up to 300 online casino games may be offered in such gaming stations and most of these operate round the clock.
PAGCOR Licensed Casino Development Department Vice-President Francis Hernando related to media that they are now reviewing the entire business and looking at canceling the permits of those gaming stations that are in violation of Section 10 of PAGCOR's charter that states that "the operation of slot machines and other gambling paraphernalia and equipment, shall not be allowed in establishments open or accessible to the general public unless the sites of these operations are three-star hotels and resorts accredited by the Department of Tourism."
However, many of these gambling stations are operating in places that are in violation of the charter prompting Senator Aquilino Pimentel III to call on local government units (LGU) to regulate the e-Games Cafes operating in their areas. Those found to be in violation of PAGCOR's charter should have their business permits revoked.
Some of these gaming cafes are even located near schools which according to Senator Pimentel promotes a culture of gambling in the country.
According to Hernando:
"We are reviewing this whole business. Let me start by saying it just really needs to be regulated properly."
