Blame the pandemic? PAGCOR legalizes 'online sabong' to boost gov't revenues (Sabong News)
Author
Alexandria Dennise San Juan
Date
MAY 03 2021
State gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is set to legalize operations of electronic cockfighting, also known as online sabong or e-sabong, to shore up revenues due to urgent needs of the government for funds amid the raging coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Apart from potential revenues, PAGCOR Vice President for Offshore Gaming Licensing Jose Tria said the agency has started to issue licenses to operate to some online sabong sites to monitor their operations and income.
“Bukod kasi sa hinahabol na income para sa pamahalaan, kailangan na hindi naman naloloko o nadadaya ang mga tumatangkilik ng sabong sa online kaya kailangan talagang bigyan na sila ng license (Aside from the government’s urgent need for income, we must also see to it that the patrons of this online gambling aren’t fooled or deceived that is why they should be given licenses),” Tria explained
“Pag may license kasi, namomonitor namin ang kanilang operasyon, galaw, at income (Once they are licensed, we will be able to monitor their operations and income),” he added.
According to Tria, five online sabong operators have already applied for licenses but only two have been allowed to start full commercial operations. The rest have yet to pay corresponding fees and taxes.
The operators that have been issued authorities to operate were Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc. of Pitmaster Live and Belvedere Corporation. They have fully submitted their paid-up capital and performance bond, PAGCOR said.
In a recent virtual forum, PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer Andrea Domingo said they are expecting to earn at least P250 to P350 million a month from the licensed online sabong operators.
Tria reminded other online sabong operators to obtain their license or else face closure as they would be deemed illegal.
“The rest na wala pang license ay huhulihin ng mga otoridad dahil ito ay iligal at minomonitor na ng Department of Information, Communication and Technology (Unlicensed operators will be arrested by the authorities because it is illegal. They are being monitored by the DICT),” the PAGCOR official warned.
