City council to review Bingo e-games

THE city council of Iloilo is set to review the business permit issued by the City Government to at least 10 electronic bingo games operating in this city amidst reported violations of the guidelines issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corppration (Pagcor).

City councilor Lyndon Acap, Committee on Games and Amusement chair said the review will determine the culpability of game operators who conduct the games mostly in open areas.

Under Republic Act 8497, slot machines and other gambling equipment are not allowed in establishments that are open or accessible to the general public unless conducted in three-star hotels or resorts accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the local government unit which issued the business permit.
Acap said that tourists, especially foreigners and out-of-town visitors usually asked for places to enjoy while in the city such as night clubs and gaming table.

He said the DOT is encouraging this kind of business to attract more visitors and investors to the city.

Gaming operators must secure a Certificate of No Objection from the LGU concerned before a business permit is issued to operate.

JD Feeling Lucky Inc., an e-game operator at the Sarabia Manor Hotel here, is already operating for the last months with complete certification from the Mayor’s Office and the city council, Acap said.

The latest request of the online bingo game operator is for the city council to draft a resolution to allow them to continue operating at the hotel, Acap said. (By Lydia C. Pendon)