A member of the Philippines House of Representatives has submitted a bill seeking to introduce an entry levy for casinos in that country. The bill is intended to counter gambling addiction in the country, especially among the most vulnerable groups.
Representative Rodolfo Albano reportedly submitted a bill seeking to impose an entry levy of PHP3,000 (US$61) in all casinos and other similar gaming establishments in the country
The entry levy is intended to ensure that the “PERSON ENTERING ALL CASINOS, IN THE PHILIPPINES, HAS THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO ENGAGE IN ANY FORM OF GAMBLING”. The bill aims to impose an entry levy on locals as well as foreigners. READ SO: PHILIPPINES GAMBLING INDUSTRY, RISKED BY THEIR OWN “POLITICAL RISK”
There is a precedent in Asia for the use of a casino entry levy, Singapore imposes on Singapore citizens and permanent residents a statutory entry levy of either SGD100 (US$80) for 24-hour access, or SGD2,000 for a year’s entry but is content to give foreigners free access. Mr Albano affirmed that the bill seeks to address gambling addiction among the poorer groups in Philippine society.
READ SO: ASIAN GAMBLERS: THINK-TANK STARTS TO IMPLEMENT CONTROLS


