“Only time will tell if gambling through Pagcor will be good for the Philippines”

City Council members in the city of Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines have confirmed the decision to set up online gambling stations in the town by stating that they have noted and recognized the application submitted by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), although local residents and church goers have expressed that they are opposed to it.

Because of the stringent opposed stand of the town and church leaders, and also because of Edgar Cabanlas, the vice-mayor’s opposition, there are members of the council who have also displayed worry over the confirmation. During discussions regarding the resolution, Cabanlas stated “murag kulbaan ko ba” that he feels scared to decide to do this and participate.

The resolution was confirmed, despite the opposition, although with amendments in the clauses. In Pagcor’s application, it was first written “interposing no objection”; however, this was amended by the City Council because this text was too identical to the text employed in the town’s hotel’s approval of operating slot machines. The amendment in the text is an endeavor to prevent a recurrence of criticism, as following the approval the city and church leaders spoke against the City Council’s decision.

The council’s confirmation is not actually required, as according to councilor Maryanne Enteria, Pagcor’s gambling activities do not necessitate the council’s confirmation. The Games and Amusement Committee Chairperson, councilor Reynaldo Advincula, explained Pagcor’s aim of gambling in the town, debating that the operations provided by the upgraded wager stations will significantly solve the problem of keeping youth away from gambling participation. The prohibition against youth gambling is from the age of twenty one and under. The type of wager stations will be almost identical to those operating lotto which the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office operates, but there will be less of them.

Gambling through the Internet is also one of Pagcor’s offers. BasketballJackpot & GamePick enabling players to stand in line to bet at assorted Pagcor Internet Sports Betting Stations (ISBS) is also one of the online gaming offers included in the ISBS. Assorted methods for placing a wager, for instance Final Scores, the famed ending the game with the Last 2 Digits, and Las Vegas types of games, such as Pick-to-Win, Over/Under and Point spread are also included. All of these games are played according to real basketball game results. Although Pagcor’s placing wagers on online cockfighting is becoming a great favorite in Manila, it’s not sure that in the town of Cagayan de Oro this will be available.

One official of the Church stated that the Church will take a major opposing stand in opposition to the gambling operations, although officials at the Catholic Church’s local diocese have not yet made their official position clear on the issue.