The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) clarified that they only allow two companies to operate online sabong despite the proliferation of illegal e-sabong on the internet.
In a radio interview, PAGCOR chairman Andrea Domingo said that only Atong Ang’s Lucky 8 Starquest and Bong Pineda’s Belvedere Corp are licensed to broadcast cockfighting online.
“Limang kumpanya ang nag-apply ng license pero yung Lucky 8 at Belvedere pa lang ang nagbayad ng performance bond na 75 million pesos each,” said PAGCOR chairman Domingo.
It was found out that the companies, “Encuentro”, “Magnus”, and “Oriental Capital Venture” have not yet paid the corresponding fees and taxes so they have not been allowed to post online sabong on their websites, according to Domingo.
“Nakikipag-ugnayan na kami sa PNP na hulihin ang mga online sabong sites na wala pang mga lisensya,” said Domingo.
Some of the illegal online sabong websites are kingsportslive.com and sabonginternational.com.
“Ang e-sabong ang major source ng funds namin sa ngayon dahil nagsara nga ang mga casinos due to covid,” explained PAGCOR chairman.
Only 2 companies allowed to operate online sabong: PAGCOR
Last week, PAGCOR said full commercial operations of e-sabong will begin this month.
It is estimated that PAGCOR can earn up to P250 million to P350 million per month from such gambling.
Last week, PAGCOR appealed to the government to allow casinos and other legitimate gambling establishments in Metro Manila so that the agency can continue to help the sick.
Domingo said she has already asked the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to have a partial operation, specifically in Entertainment City where more than 90 percent of the agency’s revenue comes from.
PAGCOR’s collection this year could decrease from P16 billion to P17 billion if the restrictions would continue. The agency earned P30 billion in 2020 and P80 billion in 2019.
Domingo said PAGCOR contributed around P18 billion to the UHC in 2020, which could decrease significantly this year if the quarantines continue.
The agency is mandated to regulate the gaming industry, generate revenues for the Philippine government’s socio-civic and national development programs, and help promote the tourism industry.
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