Okada Manila Casino Resort Now Offers Online Gaming
With permission from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR), Okada Manila Casino Resort can now offer online gaming to its patrons.
On Monday, PAGCOR gives Okada Manila Casino Resort the green light to operate and offer online gaming to its customers. According to Universal Entertainment Corporation, "The system is scheduled to go into operation after clearing various conditions, such as confirmation of compliance with casino regulations and test simulations, including the proper collection of casino license fees and anti-money laundering [regulations]."
The company also stated that Okada Manila Casino Resort was the first to obtain authorization among the four affiliated resorts encompassing Entertainment City in Metro Manila.
PAGCOR authorized Tiger Resort's request to operate an online gambling service provided the group will adhere to the requirements. This includes a system that can be audited for proper identification of taxes and license fees.
Additionally, the system must be able to hinder minors or banned individuals from betting. Likewise, the system should be able to prevent money laundering and should be able to employ responsible gaming. The regulator advised that no proliferation of online/remote gaming is allowed. The Okada Manila Casino Resort needs to provide testing and simulation of the service.
However, it wasn't clear from Universal Entertainment Corporation's filing if the permission received is for online gaming referred to the Philippine Inland Gaming Operator (PIGO) gambling licenses. These are for online gambling services dealing with the domestic market, instead of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) permits, for services aimed at offshore players. The idea was initiated last year by PAGCOR during a decline in revenue caused by the worldwide pandemic.
Philippine casino operators can apply for a PIGO license. When approved by the regulator, they can provide gambling services through the internet to currently registered members only. Players can access the services wherever they are located in the country but should not be in or around the casino property.