Gambling News - June 2005 Edition

"Council Cautious Over Online Gambling Scheme"

Philippine city of Cagayan de Oro approves application for operating Internet gaming stations within the city.

Members of the City Council in the Philippine city of Cagayan de Oro have approved a resolution “taking note and cognizance” of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (Pagcor) application for operating Internet gaming stations within the city, despite the very loud vocal opposition by local church and civic leaders.

Acting Vice-Mayor of the council, Edgar Cabanlas, together with some council members expressed concern over the approval because of the staunch opposition of the Church and civic leaders. “Murag kulbaan ko ba (I feel jittery) for us to choose and become participants…” said Cabanlas during deliberations over the resolution.

In all events, the resolution was approved with some changes to the wording. Originally stated as “interposing no objection” to Pagcor’s application, the City Council changed the wording because it closely resembled the wording used for their endorsement of the slot machine operation in one of the city’s hotels. After the endorsement, the church and civic leaders vocally criticized the City Council and the change in wording is an attempt to avoid a repeat of such criticisms. Councilor Maryanne Enteria, pointed out that since Pagcor’s gambling operations do not actually require the council approval, the council’s endorsement is not really necessary.

The betting stations will be similar to that of lotto operated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, but the numbers will be minimal. Councilor Reynaldo Advincula, the Games and Amusement Committee Chair, defended Pagcor’s goal of operating in the city, arguing that the improved betting stations provided by such an operation will do a better job of preventing minors from gambling. Under 21’s are prohibited from playing.

Officials at the local diocese of the Catholic Church have still to issue a statement on the matter but one Church official said the Church will be leading a massive action against the gambling facility.

Pagcor also offers Internet based gambling. Internet gambling options include BasketballJackpot & GamePick where bettors can line up to place their wagers at various Pagcor Internet Sports Betting Stations (ISBS). The ISBS offer different formats for placing wages such as Final Scores, the famous Last 2 Digits ending game and Las Vegas style games (Point Spread, Over/Under and Pick-to-Win). All the formats are based on the results of actual basketball games.

Pagcor also runs online betting on cockfights, which is becoming increasingly popular in Manila, but it is not yet sure if this option will be available in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

Back to June 2005 News Home