Legal ‘e-sabong’ starts operation (Sabong Arena)
Genre
Sabong Arena
Keywords
Online Sabong Legal
Article ID
00000498
Once licensed online cockfight operators start their operations, we can easily monitor and track down their operational schemes.
Gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) on Monday said it will start issuing licenses for the operation on online cockfight sites or “e-sabong” to legalize their operations, and generate income for the government amid the pandemic.
According to Pagcor SVP for offshore and online gaming Atty. Jose Tria Jr., aside from generating additional income for the government amid these most trying times, they are also protecting cockfight enthusiasts to fall victims to unscrupulous “e-sabong” operators by legalizing the game.
“Once licensed online cockfight operators start their operations, we can easily monitor and track down their operational schemes,” he explained.
With this development, Tria said there are already five companies that have applied for the license to operate “e-sabong,” but so far, just two of the applicants were allowed to start their commercial operations, while others have yet to pay corresponding fees and taxes.
He said that Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc. of Pitmaster Live and Belvedere Corp. have been issued authorities to operate “e-sabong” following submission of their paid-up capital and corresponding performance bonds.
“Those will continue operating without the necessary licenses will be apprehended by authorities, where the Department of Information, Communication and Technology will monitor their illegal activities,” Tria stressed.
As he added that Pagcor will be able to collect some P100 million per month from the licensed online betting companies.
While the revenues are high, he said that this is not as significant as the incomes of the so-called Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hubs that cater to foreign players.
