Philippines against China run illegal betting operation
The authorities confirmed that they have broken up a Chinese run illegal online gambling operation.
Philippines.- The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acted against illegal gambling by breaking up a Chinese run operation from a commercial building in Makati. The operation marks the second major bust in involving a Chinese illegal online betting operation.
Earlier this year, the department of immigration of Philippies arrested over 150 Chinese nationals that were operating illegally in the country, without the authorisation of the gaming regulator Pagcor. The CEO announced that they’ve received over 76 applications for its offshore gambling operator and that at least 25 will be issued by the end of the month.
The Pagcor also announced its financial results for the third quarter of the year: it showed a net income of US$66 million. The state owned gaming regulator showed a 17 percent growth in comparison with the previous year, showing US$784 million in income from gaming operations. After making the decision of not renewing permits for some services used by local citizens, Pagcor has been looking for new avenues for income. The gaming regulator also contributed US$413 million in gaming taxes and contributions in the first nine months of 2016.
In the first half of 2016 Pagcor reported US$564 million in total income representing a robust 8.6 percent growth from the US$520 million reported the same period in 2015. Additionally, income from gaming operations grew by a 19.6 percent from the US$472 million during the first six-months of 2015 to US$516 this year.Additionally, earlier this year Pagcor announced that online gambling will be permitted to resume under stricter enforcement that will keep gaming cafes within 200 meters from churches and schools.
