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If you are an online casino fan in the Philippines, there are things you need to know about online casinos in the Philippines, their history, regulations, and trends over time. This Xgtiger Casino post presents as much data as possible to provide you with relevant information to help you gamble safely and in accordance with legal regulations in the Philippines.
The History of Legal Casino Gambling in the Philippines
Legal casino gambling in the Philippines is a relatively new phenomenon compared to countries like the UK and the US. The first legal land-based casino in the Philippines was established 45 years ago in 1977.
This casino is owned by the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and opened its doors for business in the famous Manila Bay. The legalization of casino gambling in the Philippines was initiated in 1976 by then president – Ferdinando Marcosa.
This year, the government-controlled PAGCOR was established through Presidential Decree No. 1602.
By 1983, PAGCOR would be given sole regulatory authority over all forms of casino gambling, including iGaming in the Philippines. Over the years, the Philippine government has enacted laws that govern the country’s licensing, supervision, regulation, and punishment of casinos.
Regulation of Casinos in the Philippines
Presidential Decree No. 1602 of 1976 led to the creation of PAGCOR and empowered it to license prospective land-based casinos in the Philippines. However, this Decree has been amended over the years to extend PAGCOR’s regulatory authorities to the iGaming industry.
Today, PAGCOR regulates the activities of e-cafes, game rooms, and all online casinos operating in the Philippines. Casinos not under the control of PAGCOR are controlled by Cagayan, which is described as a “special economic zone.”
To further strengthen PAGCOR’s power, the Philippine government outlined PAGCOR’s casino gambling regulatory duties to three decades in 2007. PAGCOR enforces all laws regarding legal casino gambling in the Philippines. One such law is the legal gambling age, which is set at 21 years.
In addition to Presidential Decree No.1602 of 1976, Republic Act No. 9287 is an amendment to Decree No. 1602 and states the penalties for participating in illegal numbers games.
Casino Gambling in the Philippines
The Philippines consists of many islands and is home to some of the largest and most populous cities in Asia. However, if you travel to Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, you will find the largest number of legal brick-and-mortar casinos. The doors of these casinos are open around the clock from Monday to Sunday.
While it’s land-based, you can play many popular slot machines. In addition to this, you can play a variety of table casino games, including Sic Bo, Pai-Gow, Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, and Blackjack. You can also play some special games like Bingo and dice games.
Aside from Manila, some cities where you can find top land-based casinos include Angeles City, Bacolod City, Cebu City, Clark Freeport, Davao City, Laoag City, Lapu-Lapu, Metro Manila, Olongapo, Pampanga, Paranaque, Pasay, Rizal, Tagaytay, and Tambo.
Online Casino Philippines
Online casino gambling regulations are divided between PAGCOR and Cagayan. Cagayan Economic Zone regulates iGaming for foreign players, while PAGCOR regulates internet casino gaming in every other territory in the Philippines. In areas regulated by PAGCOR, iGaming players are limited to specialized gaming zones such as game rooms, e-cafes, or PEGs.
In the Philippines, you have more than 200 e-cafes scattered all over the country. Online casino gambling in Philippine homes or any other premises other than a registered e-cafe is considered illegal. PhilWeb Corporation and PAGCOR are responsible for overseeing and regulating all online casinos operating in the Philippines. For a legit online casino, the Philippines can explore more than Mega Casino World, which has up to 10 casinos.
Casino Tourism is a Growing Trend in the Philippines
Casino tourism is a fast growing trend in the Philippines. Whether you’re enjoying a night out with family and friends at a land-based casino in Manila or prefer to join the poker rooms at an e-cafe, the Philippines is a hotbed for casino gambling enthusiasts. all over the world.
The growth rate of the Philippine hospitality sector is particularly high because this brand of tourism brings a lot of hard currency to the country. Many tourists from parts of Asia, Europe, Oceania, and America flock in their thousands to the Philippines every year.
Tourists from China and Korea are known to be major revenue contributors to the iGaming industry in the Philippines. Today, partnerships between casinos and guest houses or hotels are increasing in the country. This drive has made the iGaming industry in the Philippines one of the fastest growing markets in Southeast Asia.
The Major Players in the Philippines Casino Landscape
Some of the major land-based and online casinos in the Philippines include:
- Ang Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation, o PAGCOR, ay pag-aari ng gobyerno at gumaganap bilang isang hinirang na katawan ng regulasyon at paglilisensya ng casino.
- City of Dreams Manila (CODM)
- Resorts World Manila (RWM)
- Solaire (BLOOM)
Other top online casino Philippines vendors operating under PAGCOR and Cagayan Economic Zone include:
- Casino Filipino Binondo
- Casino Filipino Citystate
- Casino Filipino Malabon
- Casino Filipino Santa Cruz
- Casino Filipino Universal
- Club Tropicana Las Piñas
- Club Tropicana Santa Mesa
- Empire Poker Sports Club
- Lancaster Hotel, Madison Square Garden Hotel & Casino
- Manila Grand Opera Hotel at Casino
- Master Poker Sports Club
- Metro Card Club
- Midas Hotel & Casino
- Midas Touch Poker Sports Club
- Networld Hotel Spa & Casino
- New World Manila Bay Hotel & Casino
- Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel at Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel & Casino.
Conclusion
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