GAMING LAW LAWS AND REGULATIONS PRESENTATION

LAWS AND REGULATIONS ON GAMING INDUSTRY

1. GAMING LAW RULES AND REGULATIONS Presentation by MECHILLE E. LUGO PHD IHTM 908

2. Examine the Regulatory Framework and Evolution of Gaming Laws OBJECTIVES PHD IHTM 908 Assess the Economic Impact of Gaming on the Tourism Industry Address how the Gaming Law be useful in the tourism and hospitality industry

3. OVERVIEW Gambling has been present in the Philippines since at least the sixteenth century . Various legal and illegal forms of gambling are found almost all over the archipelago. The government manages gambling through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) a state-owned enterprise which both operates a number of individual casinos and in turn acts as a regulator to privately owned casino operators. Since 2016 PAGCOR has also granted operating licenses and overseen the regulation of the growing online gambling sector serving offshore markets . Casino gambling and integrated resorts have become a key component of the Philippines’ appeal as a tourist destination with more than twenty casinos found in Metro Manila alone. PHD IHTM 908

4. Gaming/ Gambling Definition- Gambling (also known as betting ) is the wagering of something of value ("the stakes") on a random event with the intent of winning something else of value, where instances of strategy are discounted. ( Wikipedia) Gambling thus requires three elements to be present: amount wagered risk prize The outcome of the wager is often immediate, such as a single roll of dice, a spin of a roulette wheel, or a horse crossing the finish line, but longer time frames are also common, allowing wagers on the outcome of a future sports contest or even an entire sports season. PHD IHTM 908

5. IS GAMBLING LEGAL IN THE PHILIPPINES? Yes, gambling is legal in the Philippines when it is licensed and regulated .. In 1975, then President Ferdinand Marcos wrote into law Decree No. 1067 that defined legal gambling and created PAGCOR to license and regulate the industry. PHD IHTM 908

6. IS ONLINE GAMBLING LEGAL IN THE PHILIPPINES? Yes, no Filipino laws state that it is illegal for residents to gamble online. The one exception is that Filipino-based casinos and sportsbooks are not allowed to offer their online services to residents of the Philippines. Such as: Philippine legal online poker Philippine legal online casinos Philippine legal horse betting, and Philippine legal online sports betting sites All the gambling laws in force on the islands are directed towards the casino operators instead of the players. PHD IHTM 908

7. PHILIPPINE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING CORPORATION ( PAGCOR) The   PAGCOR  is the primary regulator in the Philippines that supervises the Entertainment City (a compact equivalent of Las Vegas), casinos scattered across the country, and online casinos operating abroad. Citizens of the Philippines are only allowed to play at land-based casinos regulated by the PAGCOR, provided they are at least 21 years of age, and online casinos are only licensed to offer their services to foreign players outside of the Philippines. PHD IHTM 908 It maintains legal compliance by frequently inspecting gaming establishments and enforcing tight rules.

8. THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT HAS ESTABLISHED CLEAR GUIDELINES FOR GAMING ( Founder ) PHD IHTM 908 PRESENT AT LEAST ONE VALID ID AT LEAST YEARS OLD NO SMOKING PROPER DRESS CODE

9. RELEVANT LAWS IN PHILIPPINE GAMBLING Presidential Decree No. 1602 imposes stiffer penalties on individuals involved in illegal gambling activities in the Philippines, covering various forms of gambling and penalizing those who permit gambling, while also providing rewards for informants and repealing inconsistent laws . Republic Act No. 9287 (released and approved April 2, 2004) increases penalties for illegal numbers games in the Philippines, aiming to eradicate these activities and punish those involved, including bettors, personnel, and government officials, while also providing protection for witnesses and incentives for law enforcement officers . Republic Act No. 9487 amends the PAGCOR Charter, granting the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation a franchise to operate and license gambling establishments, with certain limitations and regulations . Republic Act 9208 as amended by the Republic Act 10364 which establishes the necessary institutional mechanisms to protect and support trafficked persons, and provides penalties for its violations. PHD IHTM 908

10. RELEVANT LAWS IN PHILIPPINE GAMBLING 4. Decree No. 1067-a . This law defined legal gambling in the Philippines and created the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This regulation specifically states what forms of gambling entertainment are legal . Any domestic gambling not listed among the approved venues is assumed to be illegal . 5.  Presidential Decree (No. 1869)  was enacted which requires the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to be used as a guideline on how to license and regulate gambling organizations. It also lists the corporate powers and operations of PAGCOR as well as any other powers, provisions, and exemptions that pertain to the government agency. 6. Republic Act (No. 7922)  established the Cagayan Freeport economic zone for the Cagayan Valley. This regulation defined the principles of operations and created the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) to promote tourism in the Cagayan Providence area. 7. Republic Act No. 10927  was enacted in 2017 to strengthen Republic Act No. 9160 – The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001. RA 10927 puts tougher regulations and restrictions on big payouts and wagers. It also mandates that all casinos now keep detailed records for 5 years about their customers . 8. House Bill 8910   is a bill that aims to regulate e- sabong and online cockfighting throughout the Philippines. It also enhances several functions of the Games and Amusement Board. PHD IHTM 908

11. Philippine Regulatory Agencies Philippine Amusement And Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) To authorize and license any game of chance and to generate revenue for governmental national development programs . First Cagayan Leisure And Resort Corporation (FCRLC) Imposes its own set of laws and regulations for their economic region and aims to produce a self-sufficient industry and provide employment and income for the Metropolis of Santa Ana . Philippine Racing Commission  (PHILRACOM) aims to maintain efficient and unbiased operations of horse racing that deals with the sport and gambling, while improving the breed of Philippine horses and preventing illegal importation of sporting horses . Games And Amusements Board  ( GAB) is the organization that regulates and supervises play for pay sports and strives to prevent the formation of illegal bookies and other illegal gambling centered around combat sport games and amusement games . Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office   (PCSO) the principal government agency that organizes and regulates sweepstakes and lottery games while also engaging in welfare-related health investments. PHD IHTM 908

12. Types of Gaming License in Philippines Casino License eGames License Bingo License 4. Sports Betting License

13. Philippines Gaming License Requirements Business Entity Registration Applicants must establish their firm as a legally recognized entity within the Philippines. Financial Stability Demonstrating financial stability is a critical requirement, and applicants must present evidence of sufficient funds to operate a gaming company effectively. Social Media Marketing PAGCOR conducts comprehensive background checks on all key personnel, including shareholders, directors, and officers, to assess their suitability and integrity. PHD IHTM 908 Strong anti-money laundering procedures are mandatory to prevent any illicit financial activities associated with online gaming employment. Background Checks Anti-Money Laundering Measures

14. Economic Impact Gambling , especially through casinos and integrated resorts, has a significant impact on tourism. The development of casino resorts such as Solaire Resort and Casino, and City of Dreams Manila, enhances the tourism appeal by providing additional entertainment options, luxury accommodations, and dining experiences. The presence of such establishments can attract a higher number of international tourists, thereby boosting the local economy. By this, there was an increasing number of tourists spending in casinos, hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. Moreover, the creation Besides, the revenue from gaming can be used to develop infrastructure, making destinations more attractive to tourists. This abundance of casinos and gaming areas aided in the 17% growth of the gambling industry in 2015. The reported gross revenue for 2015 was PHP 130 billion, a significant increase from 2014's PHP 111 billion. Much of this growth can be attributed to Manila's Entertainment City, which consists of first-class casinos and hotels. These hotels and casinos are a huge source of tourism, which brings in additional revenue for the country.

15. Economic Impact Positive Impact Increased Revenue Job Creation Infrastructure Development Multiplier Effect   Negative Impact Social Costs Vulnerability to Market Changes Local Business Impact Inflationary Pressures  

16. How Gaming Law be useful in the hospitality and tourism industry? UNDERSTANDING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND EVOLUTION OF GAMING LAWS Compliance: Ensuring that all operations comply with local laws helps avoid legal issues and penalties. Trust: Building trust with both local authorities and international tourists by adhering to established legal standards. Partnerships : Facilitating partnerships with licensed gaming operators and venues. LEVERAGING GAMING LAWS FOR TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY GROWTH Enhanced Marketing: Promoting destinations as premier gaming and leisure hubs. Diverse Offerings: Providing a variety of entertainment options that can attract different segments of tourists. Responsible Gaming Initiatives: Implementing programs like the Player Exclusion program to promote responsible gambling, enhancing the reputation of destinations as safe and responsible. INTEGRATION WITH ONLINE GAMBLING Digital Integration: Creating opportunities for online gaming and betting within the hospitality industry, such as in-room gaming services. Revenue Streams: Generating additional revenue through partnerships with online gaming operators. Innovation: Leveraging digital technologies to enhance customer experiences in both physical and virtual environments

17. How Gaming Law be useful in the hospitality and tourism industry? Social Responsibility and Ethical Considerations Positive Image: Enhancing the reputation of the tourism sector by promoting ethical practices. Customer Trust: Building long-term relationships with customers through responsible gaming initiatives. Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term viability of the gaming industry by preventing issues related to gambling addiction.

18. References PAGCOR Official Website The LawPhil Project Manila Standard Website Philippines Gambling Laws - PH Online Gambling Regulations (legalonlinegambling.ph ) Matthew Tingchi Liu, Shiying Dong, Mingxia Zhu, 2021. The application of digital technology in gambling industry PHD IHTM 908

19. QUESTION FOR THE ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: "How can the tourism and hospitality industry in the Philippines balance the economic benefits of integrated resort casinos with the need to promote responsible gambling and mitigate potential social costs?"