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PAGCOR suspends all gaming operations in Manila

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is the apex body for regulation of casinos in the Philippines, and they’ve decided to make an important decision in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus epidemic that is quickly spreading across the world. After Goa shut down casinos in the state and Czech Republic’s Kings Casino shut down, a similar order has been passed in Philippines.

On Sunday 15th March, PAGCOR announced the shutting down of all casino and gaming operations in Manila, effective immediately. The decision will affect all land-based casinos as well as integrated casino resorts and all other gaming activities which are regulated by PAGCOR.

Earlier last week, President Rodrigo Duterte addressed the nation and decided to place Manila under community quarantine, in order to prevent further spreading of the COVID-19 virus. It then made sense to shut down gaming operations as well, because hundreds of people come together each day from different parts of the world to gamble in Manila.

All casinos will remain closed, given time until midnight on the past Sunday. As part of the National Capital Region (NCR) community quarantine, the ban will be imposed till at least 14th April, further which a call will be taken later.

“This measure is intended to ensure the safety of both gaming employees and customers and eventually, the general public,” said PAGCOR. Remember though that this rule is not applicable to the POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) industry, while restaurants, food outlets and hotels attached to casinos will be allowed to run operations as usual.

If the situation doesn’t get better in coming days, we may get to see plenty of similar news from across the world. For updates on this particular story from Philippines, stay tuned to GutshotMagazine.com.

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