Pagcor suspends casino operations in Metro Manila | Inquirer News

Sunday 15th March 2020

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) will suspend all casino operations and other gaming activities in Metro Manila effective on Sunday following President Rodrigo Duterte's instruction to put the entire metropolis under community quarantine to contain the spread of the COVID-19 disease.

In a statement on Sunday, Pagcor said the suspension would be in effect until April 14 when the Metro Manila-wide lockdown ends.

Pagcor added that casino operations outside the National Capital Region might also be suspended should local governments decide on putting their areas under community quarantine.

"The state-run gaming agency has decided to prohibit public gatherings in its gaming venues and in the licensed gaming properties that it regulates," Pagcor said. "This measure is intended to ensure the safety of both gaming employees and customers and, eventually, the general public."

The suspension applies to all land-based casinos, electronic games, bingo (both traditional and electronic), sports betting, poker, and slot machine clubs, and other activities Pagcor regulates.