China targets illegal Philippine gambling

The government said through China’s embassy in Manila that targeting its residents from the Philippines is illegal.

China.- China-Philippines relations have been tough lately regarding gambling. That’s why China’s embassy in Manila explained any forms of gambling by its residents in Philippine casinos is illegal.

Online and phone betting in the neighbouring country has bloomed over the last few years. That’s why the Chinese government is worried about the amount of money flowing out of the country.

“A conservative estimate shows that gambling-related funds flowing illegally out of China and into the Philippines amounts to hundreds of millions of yuan every year,” said a Chinese embassy statement. “There are analysts who believe that part of the illegal gambling funds have flown into local real estate markets and other sectors in the Philippines.”

PAGCOR denies targeting China

A controversy sparked over potential licensing in the Philippines for online gaming operators targeting Chinese-nationals. However, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has denied such accusations.

PAGCOR assured that its licensed operators and services providers are targeting Chinese-speakers in the area, not from China. In a press statement, it addressed a topic which has been a major concern in southeast Asia.

“PAGCOR would like to emphasize that unlike in China, where online gambling is illegal, the Philippines legally allows online gaming offered only to offshore based players where online gaming is allowed in their jurisdiction,” they said in a statement.

They also explained they search for Chinese workers in the gaming industry to get Chinese-speakers to play.