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

[harizen]

I'm in favor of the re-opening of land-based casinos. Businesses should always be back even slowly. The number of cases is increasing every day but it's unfair that just because casinos will be re-opened, others will think of this as they will probably add some risks. Surely, not all are eager to play at the casinos so no need to criticize them. The eagerness of people to go out and find ways to support their families are the ones that will contribute more to the infection especially in the essential businesses. They have no choice to the point that they will disregard the safety measures which we can actually see every day.

Well if the IATF allowed the reopening of land-based casinos, then it's up to the casino operators whether to open immediately or not. But of course, they also need to imply strict safety protocols to ensure that everyone in the facility is safe. I guess they will only allow casinos if they will provide information on how they will apply the protocols for the new normal. And deciding whether to gamble or not is still yours at the end of the day, just make sure you'll be extra careful because going outside is already a risk.

Even without the strict guidelines by IATF, casinos will surely implement a strict protocol. They are strict even before pandemic so what's more if they will re-opened. Plus the fact that they will only allow limited capacity, that's a good safety measure.

Yes, you are right. IATF will not just allow casinos to re-opened without proving information about safety measures.

They should really focus on the more important matter compared to this terror bill because people won't stop protesting unless they will not pass this bill.

That discussion should not be addressed here. It's more of self-opinion, at least in my own view.

We can't just protest or say what we want without understanding and knowing the deep information about that bill.

[FlightyPouch]

The disappointing part right here just that the government are not focussing on the pandemic and focus on other things.

Indeed. Actually I'm worrying a little bit with regards to protesters who conduct rallies recently promoting to junk Anti Terror Bill. Well I agree with their vision but, please for God's sake, not in the times of pandemic. I think government should postponed this bill for the meantime in order to calm those protesters and avoid mass gatherings .

I think you will not be able to stop these people from protesting. This is a way for them to control the media, to control the people. There is this one case where a police officer planted evidence to someone against the drug war, this could happen to any of us. Just imagine, having an argument against the government protocols, instead of them correcting that, you will be taken by the police and be imprisoned for days. They are saying that being an activist is not against that bill, but I guess there will be the times that they will be taking advantage of that.

[Kemarit]

{..snip..}

And that is the best decision you are going to make, forget about your gambling addiction for just a second and think of the long term effect.

For sure many gamblers are going to be happy seeing their favourite casino open in other parts of the world, however, you really don't know what will happen to you. Philippines did a good job, trying to control the spread of the virus, and now that they are easing their quarantine, I do hope that the government did make the best decision for the Filipinos.

Indeed. You should step aside your gambling addiction and think about your own safety or your health because it will be the best for you and your family. We all know this community quarantine lockdown is taking too long and a lot of people are suffering because they can't do the things that they love, so they should still have patience and faith for the vaccine to come for them to the things that they love again like gambling.

Thanks to both of you, yes I'm stepping aside by addiction, although it is really hard to stop it, but I have to because of safety concerns and it could save me money in this current pandemic.

Yes, I'm also in favor of the re-opening no doubt to make the economy roll again. But gamblers should make their own decision and don't blame the government or the casino if they contacted the virus. Everyone should be responsible now, not just the money that you gamble, but your health as well. So think wisely!!!

[Saisher]

It will eventually approve, it's a government run company and they need money to augment the needs in this time of pandemic, and they have already implemented protocols on some establishment like malls, marketplace and transportation, so why not casinos where it is the government's biggest revenue generating companies.

[noormcs5]

So it's going to be a big dilemma to me, should I go and play or think of my safety first? So we will see, if this will push through then I have to fight this feeling again as a value more of my health and I'm afraid to get infected. So probably I will pass, LOL.

And that is the best decision you are going to make, forget about your gambling addiction for just a second and think of the long term effect.

For sure many gamblers are going to be happy seeing their favourite casino open in other parts of the world, however, you really don't know what will happen to you. Philippines did a good job, trying to control the spread of the virus, and now that they are easing their quarantine, I do hope that the government did make the best decision for the Filipinos.

There are two things to consider here, either make the people happy by opening their favorite casinos or do not open such casinos to control the spread of covid-19. I think they should wait for few more months and then open the casino. This way they will not compromise with the health of the people.

[Taskford]

If it's increasing by the hundreds every day, then obviously it is not a wise thing to do.

Let's look at the graph, ..




As of today, Philippines has over 20,000 cases of covid-19 infection already, but I don't think stopping the economic activity would solve that spread.
The government has already lifted the lock down and we are already in GCQ, they can's stop this virus, we just need to be responsible and business will operate as usual but with the new normal.

So disturbing to see those numbers increasing day by day but we cannot do anything since we don't have any vaccine available yet and government also cannot do nothing to open up the establishment just to bring back the economy alive again, They don't have funds so they let the people go to their respective work so for us we should responsible and always obey the new normal protocol so that we will be away from the disease as well we are not contributing for worse recession happening if worse case scenario will come and still no vaccine will be available by this year.

[LogitechMouse]

Do you think it's safe to reopen land-based gaming knowing that the cases are still increasing by hundreds every day?

If I will be asked, I don't think that is safe to reopen this gaming casinos and as long as there is no cure for this virus nothing is safe.

The only thing that they've done this is that the economy of our country has battered heavily because of the pandemic. We are a developing country and this pandemic has affected lots of people already especially in the NCR where a huge percentage of the total cases came from there.

Yes the ratio of the total population to the total cases right now is relatively low but the healthcare system isn't as good as other countries in Asia. Either way, this is a risky move by the PAGCOR but they must do this for the economy of the country.

[JoMarrah Iarim Dan]

Even though land-based casinos will open soon, I think I will still not go to play there. I am afraid that I may get the virus on my way there since I am only a commuter. I will just spend my time in online casinos rather than in land-based casinos right now because I also think that I will not enjoy my gambling in land-based the way I enjoy playing before due to I will always pay attention in putting alcohol on my hands eveytime I hold something sticky or something that my co-players touches.

[Debonaire217]

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.

If the concern is the affection, then why shift into GCQ? Why other businesses with more people allowed to open? Lockdown for several months should be imposed. Are people can able to handle that long? Definitely no.

The aim is to limit the establishment that will be opened, in order to limit human interaction and to lower daily new cases of COVID. While considering which establishment should be prioritized. Since we also have our option to gamble online then.

Other care for gamblers but didn't concern of other people who are going every day on those large establishments that are allowed to open lol. Land-based casinos might not be an essential establishment to others but they also have employees that need to go back on work. PAGCOR needs to operate again even by slowly. Revenues came from their operations are being used to fund the government's projects and works e.g charity, social welfare, etc.

You are right in a sense that there are employees that need to go back to work, but if we are looking at the industry as a whole, we should prioritize production of goods and necessities, and the main goal is to limit the interaction of people to the best possible ways available.

IMO, if we were to compare this scenario to Las Vegas, it is more reasonable that they open their casinos because most of their economy is relying in casinos. Unlike in our country, there are various businesses where taxes could be gathered from.

[BitcoinTurk]

As I have already written on topics that have similar content with this topic, opening such businesses does not actually involve an extremely high risk.  If we compare the markets and these businesses, we can see that the probability of infection is almost close in both businesses.  For this reason, I think that these decisions should not be evaluated unilaterally and that casino businesses should not be interpreted as either a virus center.

[carlfebz2]

Even though land-based casinos will open soon, I think I will still not go to play there. I am afraid that I may get the virus on my way there since I am only a commuter. I will just spend my time in online casinos rather than in land-based casinos right now because I also think that I will not enjoy my gambling in land-based the way I enjoy playing before due to I will always pay attention in putting alcohol on my hands eveytime I hold something sticky or something that my co-players touches.

I would really be also into that paranoid side since we dont like to be get infected on the first place.Its just really not worth to risk up yourself or ones health just to go into these places specially now that numbers
had risen up significantly which do already go >500 infected on daily basis.

If the situation becomes even more worst then its hard to consider on getting some approval in terms of re-opening these establishments or places once again.If they do then its their choice but theres
really the risk on worsening the situation even more.

We have seen on other places that they do already re-open which means that this one can be done by other places as well.Just be mindful on how to follow up protocols.

[Sanitough]

As I have already written on topics that have similar content with this topic, opening such businesses does not actually involve an extremely high risk.

There's always an "IF", and that is if they will strictly implement all the necessary measures, otherwise, what we fear will happen as when people enjoy and carried away by what they are doing, they sometimes forget that they need to follow some rules, and that is why it's necessary that the casino itself, have some people dedicated to keep an eye for any violators inside for prompt action.

If we compare the markets and these businesses, we can see that the probability of infection is almost close in both businesses.  For this reason, I think that these decisions should not be evaluated unilaterally and that casino businesses should not be interpreted as either a virus center.

Different business have different rate of infection chances as it depends on the set up of the business, that is why during GCQ, there are businesses that are still not permitted to operate.

[arwin100]

As I have already written on topics that have similar content with this topic, opening such businesses does not actually involve an extremely high risk.  If we compare the markets and these businesses, we can see that the probability of infection is almost close in both businesses.  For this reason, I think that these decisions should not be evaluated unilaterally and that casino businesses should not be interpreted as either a virus center.

By now there are so many establishment have open up their services so I think games and amusement companies will open up after they discuss some matters regarding on safety to their costumers and economy is suffering to much with this pandemic so provably government will let those to open so that they can collect money for good use as well to slowly paddle up tge economy.

[freedomgo]

As I have already written on topics that have similar content with this topic, opening such businesses does not actually involve an extremely high risk.  If we compare the markets and these businesses, we can see that the probability of infection is almost close in both businesses.  For this reason, I think that these decisions should not be evaluated unilaterally and that casino businesses should not be interpreted as either a virus center.

By now there are so many establishment have open up their services so I think games and amusement companies will open up after they discuss some matters regarding on safety to their costumers and economy is suffering to much with this pandemic so provably government will let those to open so that they can collect money for good use as well to slowly paddle up tge economy.

I'm sure they have carefully plan everything, and they will not approve the opening if they see some big risk.
Other businesses have opened up, what difference is a casino if the safety measures are strictly impose to people inside the casino.

Looking forward for the positive news of opening, casinos in USA have opened up already, I see no reason casinos in PH will not open.

[Genemind]

If casinos were to open, strict regulation and compliance are needed for the health and public safety not just for the employees, gamblers, but also for the community as a whole. Sanitation of equipment, chips, machines, physical distancing, the # of people who can come in, and also a thorough initial health assessment before players can go to the casino must be implemented. I really doubt if our economy can take it if ever a second wave of the virus will hit us if enforcement of safety and health regulation will be complacent in implementing rules during implementation.

Casinos contribute a lot of income and opportunities to the econony as a whole. It ia understandable that sooner or later they will have to start operating.

[chaser15]

If casinos were to open, strict regulation and compliance are needed for the health and public safety not just for the employees, gamblers, but also for the community as a whole. Sanitation of equipment, chips, machines, physical distancing, the # of people who can come in, and also a thorough initial health assessment before players can go to the casino must be implemented. I really doubt if our economy can take it if ever a second wave of the virus will hit us if enforcement of safety and health regulation will be complacent in implementing rules during implementation.

Expect that the casinos will have such safety measures. They won't be allowed to operate in the first place without that. And casinos are more organized compared to other businesses. They can control the capacity here and it will be followed accordingly.

The possible second wave won't come from casino re-opening so let them operate.

IMO, if we were to compare this scenario to Las Vegas, it is more reasonable that they open their casinos because most of their economy is relying in casinos. Unlike in our country, there are various businesses where taxes could be gathered from.

Taxes aren't enough. Billions already spend.

Php200 Billion was used to cover the Php5,000 to Php8,000 aid for 18 million families. That does not include those general spendings to help health workers which also cost billions and a dedicated budget for other agencies that are mostly focused on the pandemic. Take note also that both public and health workers who may contract the virus while in the line of duty will get compensation of P100,000. And there are misc spendings which might also cost millions.

And with the majority of businesses having bad days this pandemic, how can they pay a proper tax?

The government needs revenue and that is the role of PAGCOR.

[Vaculin]

If it's increasing by the hundreds every day, then obviously it is not a wise thing to do.

Let's look at the graph, ..




As of today, Philippines has over 20,000 cases of covid-19 infection already, but I don't think stopping the economic activity would solve that spread.
The government has already lifted the lock down and we are already in GCQ, they can's stop this virus, we just need to be responsible and business will operate as usual but with the new normal.

So disturbing to see those numbers increasing day by day but we cannot do anything since we don't have any vaccine available yet and government also cannot do nothing to open up the establishment just to bring back the economy alive again, They don't have funds so they let the people go to their respective work so for us we should responsible and always obey the new normal protocol so that we will be away from the disease as well we are not contributing for worse recession happening if worse case scenario will come and still no vaccine will be available by this year.

No, I think the government already expected the increase but they just open the country for business operation again as the economy will die if they will not allow business to operate again, there's always a risk but we have to face the risk in order for our economy to survive.

[serjent05]

Do you think it's safe to reopen land-based gaming knowing that the cases are still increasing by hundreds every day?

I don't think it is safe to reopen land-based gaming due to the pandemic.  Just look at those front-liners that were well informed and well protected with gears and yet they got infected.  People from everywhere will flock in, even with the strict rule and implementation inside the casino, what about outside that Casino where social distancing is poorly observed.  There is a high chance for the transmission of virus even if proper guidelines and security measure is observed.

No, I think the government already expected the increase but they just open the country for business operation again as the economy will die if they will not allow business to operate again, there's always a risk but we have to face the risk in order for our economy to survive.

I highly agree.  the government allow it because of financial issue.

[Pamadar]

I think this is right time to Open Gambling Casinos because each country needs Income and gambling is one of the most profitable way for Governments.

I also Believe that Casino operator can manage to Make precautions for the Players inside casino.
They can Keep People safe and go home without Infection of Virus.

I missed Going to Casino and i will surely enjoy it now again.

I believe that Casinos, especially in the Philippines, should operate under strict guidelines, casinos in the Philippines are a big attraction for tourist, they have loyal clients and they are going to support these casinos if they see that they are implementing protocols, the government badly need revenue so they can sustain this pandemic.

Indeed since Casinos in the philippines are soon to be like Las Vegas that becomes a tourists attractions.

there are so many tourist around the world that comes to the Philippines just to enjoy gambling places and the generosity of the country.

[plvbob0070]

PAGCOR wants to reopen casinos later within this month or either next month to generate business revenue and employees can go back to work. For almost three months of the closure of land-based casinos, companies had no choice but to lay off 7,600 employees. Even Okada Casino will lay off 1,000 employees because of revenue losses.

Now to prevent more layoffs,  PAGCOR, and most business operators are preparing for the reopening, they will ensure that they will strictly implement the government's protocol to keep social distancing and the safety of employees and customers.

It may be a problem for other people because it will be risky to open casinos during the pandemic but it is said that 132,000 employees will benefit once they reopen casino operations. Let's just hope that once they will finally open, it won't cause more positive cases in the country.

Source:

Code:

https://business.mb.com.ph/2020/06/08/casinos-to-reopen-soon-pagcor/