PAGCOR waiting for the approval to reopen land-based casinos.

[chaser15]

~snipped~

Appreciate your long post but still, what you point out is not a reason why land-based casinos shouldn't be re-opened. These establishments will surely follow the protocol better than any other establishment.

Did you say government monitoring those? Are you there? Do you commute and passes at these establishments every day? Don't give a statement wherein you aren't on the actual situation. I'm witnessing the status of the Metro, EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Do you really think more people will go here once they re-opened? What mass gathering you are talking about? The capacity is always limited and that was part of the recommendations to IATF.

Your advanced thinking will not help here. I don't see how it will be a big problem if casinos will re-opened. It's not that this establishment always has lots of customers in a time like this. And even if does, what's more for other establishments?

Funny, that you will blame the casino re-opening for the possible shifting again of the capital to ECQ? Do you think that will be the reason? Instead of crying about casino re-opening, blame government agencies that are not implementing a strict protocol for those essential establishments you mentioned that is a priority to open. They will bring more virus infection to compare to casino re-opening. That's the reality.

[1714679790]

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[1714679790]

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[Vaculin]

It's a government owned so we can expect it will be open, if other establishments are already open like malls where people gather, they has to open as well. Opening is not a challenge here, the big challenge is whether they can get people to play when the virus is still not contain.

We might look at the number of the cases small, but the way it's growing, it has been escalating pretty well.
Therefore we should not underestimate that as we never know what will happen if the spread gets more quicker.

Anyway, good luck to PAGCOR, hopefully as a government entity, they will set as an example of implementing the law inside the casino.

[Nellayar]

I don't know the urge they feel but in this current situation, it is not necessary for PAGCOR to reopen. It will just give unnecessary harm for the people who surrounds and enters in PAGCOR. Afaik, our current status in transmission stats is not yet good. That's why we should not be complacent because wave 2 might come if we will take a wrong move in this pandemic (I hope not so).

Though it is government owned corporation, I think that it is better for them to create an online platform for their customers that risking the lives of people. Besides, there are many online games and there is already transition from reality to virtual. Just like in our education system in this year.

[Russlenat]

I don't know the urge they feel but in this current situation, it is not necessary for PAGCOR to reopen. It will just give unnecessary harm for the people who surrounds and enters in PAGCOR. Afaik, our current status in transmission stats is not yet good. That's why we should not be complacent because wave 2 might come if we will take a wrong move in this pandemic (I hope not so).

Though it is government owned corporation, I think that it is better for them to create an online platform for their customers that risking the lives of people. Besides, there are many online games and there is already transition from reality to virtual. Just like in our education system in this year.

I believe the Philippines need some funds as they have been releasing billions of pesos for the Social Amelioration Program or SAP.

According to the news : DBM releases P199.975-Billion for DSWD Social Amelioration Program

They need to recover that amount.

[carlfebz2]

I don't know the urge they feel but in this current situation, it is not necessary for PAGCOR to reopen. It will just give unnecessary harm for the people who surrounds and enters in PAGCOR. Afaik, our current status in transmission stats is not yet good. That's why we should not be complacent because wave 2 might come if we will take a wrong move in this pandemic (I hope not so).

Though it is government owned corporation, I think that it is better for them to create an online platform for their customers that risking the lives of people. Besides, there are many online games and there is already transition from reality to virtual. Just like in our education system in this year.

I believe the Philippines need some funds as they have been releasing billions of pesos for the Social Amelioration Program or SAP.

According to the news : DBM releases P199.975-Billion for DSWD Social Amelioration Program

They need to recover that amount.

There would be no other options to get some tax but to re-open businesses knowing that Philippines is a developing country which means it cant really sustain for that long if they arent generating something

and do continue to support its citizens. Giving out billions but doesnt earn in return via means of tax, so they would really come up into that kind of decision since they wont really have any choice.

If they would continue to isolate or do have that strict quarantine then it will surely collapsed the entire economy. For 1st world countries then they can withstand but for lower ones then its understandable on making
out such decision and the government is fully aware with that.

[goaldigger]

PAGCOR already allows POGO to operate so I think casinos are asking as well for their approval so they can now continue doing business. We heard the news about the OKADA Hotel reducing their manpower because of no operation so if its continue to happen then we might hear a sad news from other big casinos. The risk is high on casinos, so it will depend on the gambler if they will go or not, for now think for your safety and health.

[shoreno]

PAGCOR already allows POGO to operate so I think casinos are asking as well for their approval so they can now continue doing business.

pogo ? the one that has run by chineses right ?  thought they tagged as illegal gambling operator before but did they sorted that out  ?

We heard the news about the OKADA Hotel reducing their manpower because of no operation so if its continue to happen then we might hear a sad news from other big casinos. The risk is high on casinos, so it will depend on the gambler if they will go or not, for now think for your safety and health.

thats normal and happening right after every country hit by covid  . many company are reducing thier empoyees  . the one you shared here is hotel but what its relation to gambling  ?  i think both hotel and gambling places are seperate so no problem if gambling platforms are going to resume now  .

[smyslov]

I'm glad that they did this, Philippine gambling casinos have so many workers and industries that depends on their gaming and these people are starving, other companies and industry are slowly opening up, if the guidelines they've submitted are approved then workers will not have to rely on the government for dole out and support.

[reliable]

I'm glad that they did this, Philippine gambling casinos have so many workers and industries that depends on their gaming and these people are starving, other companies and industry are slowly opening up, if the guidelines they've submitted are approved then workers will not have to rely on the government for dole out and support.

More or less now we will start hearing about the casinos to start open up in June because it’s being long time and many people are dependent on the job which they do here and thus it’s becoming difficult to survive now . Only thing people will have to follow a lot of guidelines else it would become a chaos and will lead to more cases in future .

[Yaunfitda]

PAGCOR already allows POGO to operate so I think casinos are asking as well for their approval so they can now continue doing business. We heard the news about the OKADA Hotel reducing their manpower because of no operation so if its continue to happen then we might hear a sad news from other big casinos. The risk is high on casinos, so it will depend on the gambler if they will go or not, for now think for your safety and health.

Yes, it was reported here: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-trends/Philippine-casino-operator-Okada-Manila-lays-off-over-1-000-staff

I don't think though that it is well-known in the Philippines, and as per article, it competes with Solaire resort, City of Dreams Manila and Resorts World Manila. So in a sense, even prior to the Covid-19, they might be losing big money to there competitor. Heard of Okada, but I haven't play their yet.

It is good to hear if Pagcor has the guidelines and that the government will approved it. I do hope that the management can really control the players as we all know that casinos not just in the Philippines are very crowded and everyone wanted to go inside and play whether you are just a average joe player or high roller.

[Wexnident]

I'm just waiting tbh. For the entire government to regret the moves they are currently doing right now. Not concentrating on the problem of the pandemic, creating stupid movements such as avoiding mass testing and then pushing for a GCQ after 3 months of lockdown, "enforcing" social distancing ( I honestly could not see any sort of such in my area, most of what I saw were them bringing minors outside to their office since People below the age of 21 weren't allowed to leave their houses). I'd rather see a spike then a steady curve than a gradually rising curve of number of infections in the ph right now tbh.

I don't see why others are against this. What's the difference between opening these land-based casinos while every other establishment is now open for services? An establishment that way more lots of people such as malls, restaurants, markets, grocery, department stores, and many more.

Most of what you stated is actually establishments that sell daily necessities such as food, water, clothes, etc. so it's quite understandable that the government made their openings a priority. As for the rest, the maximum that the government allowed them to operate is at 50% only. Anyhow, most of us aren't against opening the casino cause of the reason that people gather in there, but rather because they are opening up businesses like these when proper measures with regards to testing others haven't even been issued.

In GCQ areas, the following can operate at full capacity: (Category I industries) Power, energy, water, utilities, agriculture, fishery and forestry industries, food manufacturing and food supply chain businesses, food retail establishments such as supermarkets, food preparation establishments limited to take-out and delivery services, health-related establishments, logistics, information technology and telecommunications, and the media.

Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1283024/list-what-to-expect-in-areas-under-gcq-mgcq

[maydna]

If the approval can be released in this month, that will make many gamblers at the land-based happy because they can go to those places to play many gambling games again. But I hope people can search for the other news about the safety of that place, so they don't have to worry about going there. Besides that, people need to make sure that everything is okay. The land-based casino needs to prepare their places, including preparing the hand sanitizer in many corners in that place for the visitor.

The other choice for people is they can wait for a while, perhaps wait for a week or two weeks before they can visit on that casino, and they can see the update every day for that place so they can know if they can visit that place without worry.

[Ucy]

PAGCOR already allows POGO to operate so I think casinos are asking as well for their approval so they can now continue doing business. We heard the news about the OKADA Hotel reducing their manpower because of no operation so if its continue to happen then we might hear a sad news from other big casinos. The risk is high on casinos, so it will depend on the gambler if they will go or not, for now think for your safety and health.

I think the government should set a proper standard for safety, responsible betting, moderation etc in the casinos especially  those that have no such standard/rules. That will likely reduce the tendency for casinos to take big risk in the crisis situation.
There should be few people in the casinos, and they shouldn't be staying too long to allow other customers to come in and bet. The casinos should be well ventilated if indoor and should include other safety measures.
A responsible government shouldn't be allowing its citizens to gamble or take too much risk in casinos. A "short bet" with small amount of money (depending on what the players can afford to lose) should be enough. And the games should be good/safe games.

[GDragon]

My conclusion:
Even though the infection percentage is pretty low and the number of deaths are also low, looking at the current trends doesn't really give confidence for non-essential businesses to operate. I believe Philippines will have to wait for more time unless the number of infection subsides. If it's a question of government revenue, Philippines government should consider promoting online casinos as an alternative.

This is a nice conclusion btw, you are right about the country not being able to flatten the curve. And still, a lot of the businesses have been reopened not because its safe but because of our economy and people. They have to work. If you're wondering why the infection percentage is very low, its because the country couldn't afford to test a lot of people. The government is only targeting to test around 1.5% to 2% percent of the total PH population as of May 19. That's why why we have low infection rates if you are basing it in our 110 million population.

I also agree with the government promoting online casinos instead, I don't think a lot of gamblers will swarm the casinos if they reopened soon, although I agree there will still a lot who are very eager to gamble, there are still those who will choose online. It isn't safe. Its better to go out for essential use only. We just can't see where is the virus without the testing. I just hope if PAGCOR allows the reopening of the casinos, the rules will be followed in order for the PH to flatten the curve, hopefully.

[plvbob0070]

This is just mad.

They know that the cases are still increasing, they implemented GCQ, a lot of testings are having a problem, they are submitting the anti-terror bill that just makes them like crybabies being scared and afraid of being told by media and social accounts. They have the nerve on focussing on this bill rather than focussing on the pandemic, and since they can't stop the increasing cases, they will just turn a blind eye to it and return to normal. And when they are asked about it, they will say that the people wanted it, so they went with it. In the end, their ego is more important than their people.

This why I think people would burst their anger even more if they allowed the reopening of casinos. The government has been busy with other issues and disregarding the most important issue we are facing. They should focus on dealing with the pandemic, but they are doing other businesses. The public might think that reopening casinos may be unnecessary because only those who have the privilege can gamble. But my concern is for the casino employees who also need their jobs.

~snip

The mall is far different from casinos. Even though they can make a crowd, not all establishment in malls is open. Mostly are for essentials like groceries, food business, hardware, and such. But business like the cinema is still closed as it is not necessary.

As for the reopening of a land-based casino, it's not that I am against this because I do understand that casino workers also need to go back to work. But what I'm concerned is when they reopen it, would not other gamblers find it unfair since they will only allow big casinos but gambling in small places is not allowed? A lot of Filipino gamblers can't afford to go to casinos, they just make small gatherings to gamble, mostly card games or cockfighting. So if they allowed casinos, there is also a high possibility that some gamblers would gamble illegally because they allowed gambling in casinos but not for small gambling places.

[Sanitough]

If the approval can be released in this month, that will make many gamblers at the land-based happy because they can go to those places to play many gambling games again. But I hope people can search for the other news about the safety of that place, so they don't have to worry about going there. Besides that, people need to make sure that everything is okay. The land-based casino needs to prepare their places, including preparing the hand sanitizer in many corners in that place for the visitor.

Once it's approve, it's not gonna be the normal, we will see a new normal. If I am not mistaken, Manila the capital of the Philippines is under GCQ right now, so it's just right for casinos to be re open. I know a lot of people are concern of the risk, but let's just say that they will never open if they are not putting measures to minimize the risk.

The other choice for people is they can wait for a while, perhaps wait for a week or two weeks before they can visit on that casino, and they can see the update every day for that place so they can know if they can visit that place without worry.

People can wait, but the government has been spending a lot, so they need to balance their finances so they will also generate income from their operation aside from taxes they will receive from private entities.

[carlisle1]

Just like every Non essential businesses in each country they are not priority so the chance of at least giving permit will take time.

If the approval can be released in this month, that will make many gamblers at the land-based happy because they can go to those places to play many gambling games again. But I hope people can search for the other news about the safety of that place, so they don't have to worry about going there. Besides that, people need to make sure that everything is okay. The land-based casino needs to prepare their places, including preparing the hand sanitizer in many corners in that place for the visitor.

I don't think it will be possible to re open this month ,because this is just a luxury and not a main needs of the people,the government is controlling the socializing and with this?there will be a bridge to risk the pandemic again.

The other choice for people is they can wait for a while, perhaps wait for a week or two weeks before they can visit on that casino, and they can see the update every day for that place so they can know if they can visit that place without worry.

weeks are not enough mate,because the virus can stay two weeks in our body without us noticing this so there will always be risk,better at least another month or two for safer gambling.

[FlightyPouch]

I'm glad that they did this, Philippine gambling casinos have so many workers and industries that depends on their gaming and these people are starving, other companies and industry are slowly opening up, if the guidelines they've submitted are approved then workers will not have to rely on the government for dole out and support.

I agree that these people should be really in their jobs right now for them to support their family. The disappointing part right here just that the government are not focussing on the pandemic and focus on other things. The bills they just passed, another bill being talked about, how about the people still being affected by the pandemic? Those hundred thousands patients that tested positive with the virus? The mass testing? where is it now? They are more focussed on this "balangay" as a national shit right now that they focus more on rather than the real problem that the country is facing. I think I am a terrorist right now.

[milewilda]

I'm glad that they did this, Philippine gambling casinos have so many workers and industries that depends on their gaming and these people are starving, other companies and industry are slowly opening up, if the guidelines they've submitted are approved then workers will not have to rely on the government for dole out and support.

I agree that these people should be really in their jobs right now for them to support their family. The disappointing part right here just that the government are not focussing on the pandemic and focus on other things. The bills they just passed, another bill being talked about, how about the people still being affected by the pandemic? Those hundred thousands patients that tested positive with the virus? The mass testing? where is it now? They are more focussed on this "balangay" as a national shit right now that they focus more on rather than the real problem that the country is facing. I think I am a terrorist right now.

What they can do? They have already done anything and they are going out of budget thats why they do let out people to be on work. Its just really too selfish to conclude that government isnt really doing their job or
do say that they arent concern into its citizens safety but what you can do? As long the vaccine isnt available yet then theres no way on stopping for this virus to spread.We are embracing the new normal now and people
wont really have any options left and as said earlier by other members that we dont have any choice but to deal with it and since the government cant able to handle out in terms of financial support then
they would really come up into this option.

[Maus0728]

The mass testing? where is it now?

Our government are making some progress now, the medical laboratories are improving and the mass testing is advancing as well. There is no need to feel uncertain since the situation is now being under control.

They are more focussed on this "balangay" as a national shit right now that they focus more on rather than the real problem that the country is facing. I think I am a terrorist right now.

Just curious, are you are Filipino? It seems that the news is scattered in every social media platform. The masses are making a move in signing a petition to the "Anti-Terrorism" bill. I wonder if its just a move to contain people.
As per the PAGCOR issue, as I see it, there is nothing we can do but to obey and mind our own business if you are going to gamble or not. If you are seriously taking precautionary measures in avoiding the virus, then do not bother gambling outside your house; otherwise you are also seriously risking your life over enjoyment.