The Philippine gambling regulator has authorised a “partial resumption” of business at locally-based online gambling operators serving overseas customers, according to a press release.
The announcement did not give a timetable for such partial return of operations.
But the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) said the resumption for the Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGOs) was being permitted under “stringent conditions” and aimed to help the national government “raise necessary funds to combat the novel coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic”.
Suspension of operations at bricks and mortar casino operations, and soon after, those of POGOs, had been in place – initially on the main island of Luzon – since mid-March.
But POGOs and their service providers would need to: settle any tax liabilities certified by the country’s Bureau of Internal Revenue; settle any regulatory fees, licence fees, performance bonds or penalties due to Pagcor; remit regulatory fees due for April; and comply with safety protocols.
The safety measures included: only 30 percent of the usual workforce being permitted per shift in authorised operating sites; provision of shuttle services for employees from home to workplace; staff body-temperature checks upon arrival at the office; and the practising of social distancing, proper sanitation and disinfection, and wearing of a mask “at all times,” by each worker.
Employees with confirmed Covid-19 infection – as well as anyone suspected of having the illness – will not be allowed to work.
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