Gambling and Gaming Industry

[the glimpser]

Korean firm starts upgrade of Subic casino

By Robert Gonzaga
Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 23:26:00 02/04/2010

Filed Under: Gaming & Lotteries

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— A Korean firm has started to renovate a group of hotels and a casino here that used to be operated by Legend International Resorts Limited (LIRL).

Armand Arreza, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority administrator, said the hotels, casino and an unfinished facility built by Hong Kong-registered LIRL had been handed over to Philkor Neorex, a Korean firm planning to build the Ocean 9 casino here.

Arreza said the courts had ordered LIRL to vacate the Main Legenda, Grand Legenda and El Centro establishments last month.

With the legal battle out of the way, “we can move to begin operations of our own casino,” said Charles Susung Kim, Philkor Neorex president.

He said the firm will soon start the training of new personnel.

Kim said the renovation and his company’s planned investment in the next five years would make Ocean 9 the top casino facility in Asia.

“[This is an opportunity to create] a beautiful, distinctive business. If you look at Macau, that place was built for game players only. But here in Subic, there is more variety. The focus here is on family and so the establishments that you see around reflect that,” he said.

Aside from the quality of life in Subic, the airport, golf course and various leisure-oriented establishments in the area add up to “make it very attractive to foreign guests who will come from different countries, especially Korea,” he said.

A hurdle that his company needs to overcome, Kim said, is the shortage of qualified workers here. He said the service orientation of Koreans and the infrastructure of Subic are a good combination. He said a training program for Filipino workers will be in place to achieve this.

He said about 4,000 workers will be hired by Philkor Neorex for the renovation, construction and operation of Ocean 9’s hotels and casino.

[red_jasper]

UP studes stand tall in Global Game Jam Manila gaming tournament
February 6, 2010, 5:13pm

Students of the Department of Computer Science (DCS) made a good account of themselves in the just concluded Global Game Jam Manila held last January 29-31, 2010 at the UP Information Technology Training Center (UP ITTC). The DCS students won runner-up honors in the Jury's Choice Award for their Wii-based "Color Blunder" game.

Composed mostly of senior computer science majors, the WSG (or Web Science Group) was the only team to develop two innovative games in just 48 hours. The Wii-based "Color Blunder" used Bluetooth technology while "Trash Talk" applied optical/object recognition via a webcam. Both games were the only entries that used augmented reality and external gadgets.

"Their games were quite novel. They used multiple modes of interaction for game players. The game players can interact with the computer thru a webcam or Bluetooth enabled gadgets and they were able to complete the game in a short span of time," said Dr. Jaime D. L. Caro, UP ITTC Director. "I'm proud that despite the fact that they were competing with some professional game developers they still stood out and showed creativity and programming fluency," he added.

The game "Crease," an engaging and graphically rich paper-folding game developed by professional game developers took the Jury's Choice award. "There are actually no winners or losers in this fun-filled activity. The awards were given just to inspire the participants and to add fun to the event," said Ryan Sumo, International Gaming Developers Association (IGDA Manila) head and game jam organizer.

Some 32 local jammers joined the first staging of Global Game Jam in the country, "ranging from students to hobbyist to full fledged game development professionals, all bound by a love of making games," Sumo said. They were joined by close to 4,000 other global jammers in 35 countries.

The Filipino game jammers were able to turn in 10 games within the allowed time limit and restrictions and in accordance to this year's theme of deception. "Many of these (games) really are just experiments or fulfillment of a goal to make games. There were a few though, especially the award winning "Crease" that I definitely think have market potential. Ultimately it will be up to the participants to decide what to do with the games, since it is their copyrighted property," said Sumo.

The game jam was a showcase of creativity in the local gaming industry. "It's showing the world that we have a talented pool of game developers that rival anyone in the world," Sumo said. "I hope that game jam helps to sow the seeds of the future of Philippine game development, helping to create a burgeoning industry that rivals the BPO sector," he added.

Game development in the country is still in its infancy because of astronomical costs and logistics. But Sumo says Filipino game developers can compete in the realm of indie and casual games where the field is wide open. I think that Philippine game developers are on equal footing with anyone in the world. The Manila Game Jam is one way of proving this not only to the world but to the participants themselves."

Source

[kiretoce]

Next Macau to rise in Parañaque

In a bid to make the country as the next Macau, President Gloria Arroyo has declared a parcel of land in Parañaque City that is being groomed as Asia’s gaming capital.

Mrs. Arroyo signed Proclamation 2019 declaring the Bagong Nayong Pilipino–Entertainment City a tourism economic zone to attract more foreign investors.

Converting the property into an economic zone would enable locators to enjoy perks such as exemptions from certain taxes.

Director-general Lilia de Lima of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority said the government allow foreign ownership in full as long as the industry is not included in the negative list drawn up by Malacañang.

Mrs. Arroyo issued the Eighth Regular Foreign Investment Negative List contained in Executive Order 858 on Feb. 5 stated that foreign investors may enter the local gambling sector for up to 40 percent equity and in any combination if they have outstanding agreements with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and are situated in economic zones.

The reclaimed Pagcor property measuring 656,707 square meters, is being developed as a tourism and casino center with spaces allotted to a retirement village, hotels, residential and office condominiums, commercial centers and casinos.

The first phase of the multi-billion dollar project is expected to be completed within the next two years, as private real estate firms have already poured in investments with gaming firms from various countries lining up as zone locators.

Bagong Nayong Pilipino is touted as the country’s answer to Macau, which holds the distinction as Asia’s casino capital.

Pagcor said the complex was designed for more than a million new tourists yearly, projecting employment for at least 40,000 Filipinos “whose income levels will be “at par with other hotel casino complexes in the region and whose salaries will be in United States dollars” during initial operations.

“In addition to the direct employment, indirect employment of support operations could amount to 150,000 additional jobs,” Pagcor said in a statement.

“Upon full implementation, it could triple the present annual income generation of Pagcor from $500 million to $1.5 billion, thus dramatically increasing the income of the national government.”

[kiretoce]

Foreigners allowed to join gaming sector

A directive allowing the entry of foreign investors into the local gaming sector has been issued by Malacañang.

Executive Order 858, put out Feb. 5, contains the Eighth Regular Foreign Investment Negative List or the investment areas and activities that may be opened to foreign investors.

The list retained almost all the prohibited fields and activities for foreign investors that was indicated in the seventh list issued on Dec. 8, 2006, except for an exemption given with respect to gambling.

The previous list had set a total ban on the entry of foreign investors in the local gaming industry.

Annexed to Malacañang directive was List B -- enumerating limitations due to risks on security, defense, health and morals of Filipinos, and protection of small and medium enterprises -- which indicated that foreign investors may engage in businesses related to any form of gambling provided they are covered by investment agreements with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

Foreign-owned gaming firms must be situated in special economic zones administered by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

The EO in effect reinforces a provision in Republic Act 9487 -- amendments to the Pagcor charter -- dated June 20, 2007, which basically allows the state firm to enter into investments, joint ventures, and management agreements with any person, firm or association.

The foreign investment negative list is periodically issued by the president upon the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority.

It contains two lists, with List A containing the limitations on foreign ownership mandated by the constitution and specific laws.

The lists likewise prohibits foreign entities from engaging in small-scale mining as well as retail trade enterprises with paid-up capital of less than $2.5 million, owning and operating private security agencies, utilizing marine resources, and the manufacture of firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices, and biological, chemical and radiological weapons.

Foreign investors may have limited ownership of private radio communications networks, recruitment agencies for local or overseas employment, advertising firms, public utilities, financing companies and investment houses, among many others.

EO 858 did not specify expiry dates to the lists. Amendments to List A can be made any time while changes in List B cannot be made more often than once every two years.

[RonnieR]

FILIPINO POKER TOUR





image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr




www.filipinopokertour.com/

[hakz2007]

Pacific Online Systems posts net income of P263M for 2009

MANILA, March 21 (PNA) - Gaming company Pacific Online Systems Corporation, in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, announced that its net income for 2009 amounted to P263 million or significantly higher than the P130 million posted the previous year.

The gaming company said its consolidated revenues grew 20 percent to P962 million as more people are betting in the lottery in the hope of becoming instant millionaires.

With lottery and scratch card ticket sales hitting all-time highs, the company is expected to perform even better this year amid an improving business climate, said Willy Ocier, chairman and president of Pacific Online.

“The company expects to surpass its financial performance in 2009 through the continuous rollout of terminals for all online PCSO products nationwide, introduction of new games, more intensified marketing and distribution of instant ticket sales and wider network of retail lotto outlets,” he said.

Given the company’s strong financial results, its board of directors approved the declaration of a cash dividend of P0.75 per share, broken down into three payouts of P0.25 each –May 6 for stockholders of record as of April 20, August 16 for stockholders of record as of July 23 and December 10 for stockholders of record as of November 19, 2010.

Pacific Online, the exclusive lotto system provider in Visayas and Mindanao for the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, announced last month it was preparing to implement SMS-based lotto and has earmarked P100 million for this venture.

By allowing betting on the lottery games through text, the PCSO and Pacific Online expects to widen the reach of its lottery games. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=3&rid=265521

[diz]

PS3 launch festivities in Philippines detailed

Although the Playstation 3 was first released in 2006, the high-definition video game system still hasn’t been released in the Philippines. That is about to change, however, as Sony is planning to bring the Playstation 3 to that territory on March 27th.

The Filipino branch of Sony has provided a list of launch festivities to accommodate the arrival of their system. Activities include Cosplay, where fans dress up as their favorite video game or anime character to participate in a fashion contest or take it one step further by creating a 2 minute fight scene. There will also be competitions for Tekken: Dark Resurrection (PSP) and Ridge Racer 7. Prizes compose of a brand new PSP and Playstation 3 systems.

Finally, the first 100 consumers who buy the Playstation 3 will get discounts for games and accessories. All the festivities will be held at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City, Metro Manila from March 27th to the 28th. For the full details, go to this link.

[the glimpser]

Pagcor inks partnership deal with MII on hotel, casino

By Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 16:02:00 03/22/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Investment holding firm MJCI Investments Corp. (MII) has entered into a partnership deal with the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) on a hotel and casino venture.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday, MII said it had executed an agreement with Pagcor for the latter to establish, manage and operate a casino at a hotel to be constructed by MII on a 1.4-hectare property within the San Lazaro Tourism and Business Park in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The site is part of the former racetrack, the San Lazaro Hippodrome, and is now a special zone registered at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

"The casino facility complements the government's tourism program in the City of Manila," MII said.

MII, formerly known as Aries Prime Resources, Inc. was established in 1955 to engage in the mining business. It eventually stopped its mining operations and changed its primary purpose from mining to that of an investment holding company in 1997

[RonnieR]

Proposed law calls to declare cockfighting as part of national heritage

Plaza urges house to recognise sport

* By Gilbert P. Felongco, Correspondent
* Published: 00:00 March 25, 2010
* Gulf News
http://gulfnews.com/news/world/phili...itage-1.602447

Manila : A letter submitted to the House of Representatives calls for declaring cockfighting as part of the country's national cultural heritage.

Representative Rodolfo Plaza, author of the letter, said cockfighting is deeply engrained in the customs and traditions of Filipinos and that the sport is already part of their identity.

Cockfighting, a sport which pits two roosters fitted with razor sharp blades against each other is a popular, traditional and customary form of recreation and entertainment among Filipinos especially during holidays, fiestas, fairs and other events.

Plaza, who represents the congressional district of Agusan del Sur, is urging the National Commission for Culture and Arts and the National Historical Institute to declare cockfighting as part of the intangible Philippine cultural heritage.

"Intangible cultural heritage includes practices, representations expressions and skills, as well as the objects, instruments and artefacts that communities, groups and individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage," Plaza said.

Purpose built arenas

Presently, cockfights are allowed inside purpose built arenas where betting is legal, but clandestine matches also abound.

Plaza argued that even the law that bans illegal cockfights, Presidential Decree No 449, or the Cockfighting Law, recognises that cockfighting is a vehicle for the preservation and perpetuation of native Filipino heritage that enhances national identity.

"Cockfighting should neither be exploited as an object of commercialism or business enterprise nor made a tool of uncontrolled gambling," Plaza said.

"Cockfighting must be recognised and institutionalised as part of the national cultural heritage and must be promoted, protected and enhanced," Plaza said.

Reacting on the news that cockfighting may soon be declared as part of the country's national heritage, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society said they were "aghast".

[RonnieR]

Gaming industry leaders cite RP's regulatory practices
(The Philippine Star) Updated March 26, 2010 12:00 AM


ASIA’S GEM OPENING: John Flynn, deputy chief of the investigations unit, Nevada Gaming Control Board, and PAGCOR chairman and CEO Efraim C. Genuino are shown here during the opening of the Asia’s Gaming and Entertainment plus Leisure Expo 2010 (Asia’s GEM).

MANILA, Philippines - Nevada Gaming Commission deputy chief, John Flynn, lauded the operational strengths of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) in his speech at the Gaming Tourism and Investments Congress, held yesterday in conjunction with the 5th Asia’s Gaming Entertainment plus Leisure Expo Manila (Asia’s GEM) at the Marriott Hotel in Resorts World Manila.

In his speech entitled “Gaming Regulatory Practices: In response to Global Challenges,” Flynn said he was impressed by PAGCOR’s strong emphasis on procedures and a good set of internal controls that have helped the state-run gaming firm protect its assets.

The topic arose as Flynn expounded on the three main “dangers” to the industry in the absence of a strong regulatory framework. The three interrelated dangers are: Financial fraud, organized crime involvement and shady source of capital.

In an interview, Flynn said that PAGCOR’s internal controls, particularly its segmentation of duties are beneficial in averting financial fraud which in turn shields the corporation from involvement with organized crime. “The more people that get involved in a process, the harder it is to get away with shady deals,” Flynn noted.

Flynn also extolled PAGCOR’s initiative to give all its casino workers, a gaming employment license. “This (sort of ID) system is really commendable, since it allows PAGCOR, as the main gaming regulator in the country, to conduct background checks and ensure that all of its casino workers are credible,” he added.

He further encouraged casino operators to comply with the regulatory statutes of each country they operate in. At the same time, he advised gaming regulators around the world to come up with regulatory controls that are “not too strict to stifle down the industry,” while still being appropriate to control and combat the three main dangers.

Likewise, he expressed hope in the emerging nations’ capabilities to be among the best gaming, entertainment and tourism hubs in Asia and around the world. “PAGCOR must continue on its track of innovation and continuous self-improvement, by providing world-class services to its clientele,” Flynn added.

PAGCOR chairman Efraim Genuino, who was delighted with Flynn’s observations and commendations, said: “We are committed to our vision making PAGCOR a world-class corporation with a Filipino heart, and we shall never stop till the good becomes better and the better becomes best.”

Joining Flynn in lauding PAGCOR was Michael Boettcher, president and CEO of Storm International, who expressed appreciation for the outstanding hospitality he experienced from the state-run gaming firm.

“I congratulate PAGCOR for this event that has truly grown for the past five years,” he said. “One of the measures is by the number of important people who have come here to join this conference.”

David Orrick, Communications CEO for International Austrian Gaming Industries Inc. also singled out his commendations to PAGCOR and the Asia’s GEM for its development and achievement through the years.

“In half a decade that I have joined Asia’s GEM, I have become extremely enthusiastic about gaming in Asia as a whole because of the dream and efforts of PAGCOR. I am very confident about greater things to come,” he said.

[red_jasper]

Google TV Will Enhance Online Casino Gambling
May 30th, 2010



Google will be offering a new Google TV service by the end of 2010 which will enable anyone to surf the Internet using their television. This new offering will certainly enhance online casino gambling and far more people in the world will be able to gamble at an online casino from home.

Imagine playing your favorite casino games on a wide-screen plasma TV that hangs on the wall in your living room. This technology is already available in Asia with consumers in the Philippines being able to hook a box up to their television and access the Internet on their TV. The Internet signal is being transmitted to the TV via the 3G technology of their local cell tower.

Gambling through the TV is already available in the United Kingdom, but Google reaches almost every country in the world, and the online gambling operators are anxiously awaiting the time when they’ll be able to advertise to users of this new device. Gambling online is so much fun, but the one negative is that you have to sit at the computer to play your favorite casino games. With the new Google TV, gambling at the computer will be a thing of the past.

[absinthe_888]

Malapit na ang katapusan ng mga Genuino sa PAGCOR.

[jpdm]

Originally Posted by absinthe_888

Malapit na ang katapusan ng mga Genuino sa PAGCOR.

True.


Kala ni Genuino at ng backer nya sa Palasyo habang buhay niyang gagatasan ang Pagcor at sila lagi maghahari...patay sila kay Noynoy at ang avenging LP.

Kaya kaming maka NP at Villar...contructive opposition lang..kunin ang Senado at makipag-alliance sa lower house.

[jpdm]

Originally Posted by RonnieR

FILIPINO POKER TOUR

sino siya?hehehehe

[jpdm]

Pero anyway, sana matuloy na yung bagong nayon Pilipino kahit hindi puro sugalan o casino ilagay...mga amusement park, hotels and sporting venues, or even a zoo ang sana ilagay...

[xxxriainxxx]

Originally Posted by RonnieR

Proposed law calls to declare cockfighting as part of national heritage

Plaza urges house to recognise sport

* By Gilbert P. Felongco, Correspondent
* Published: 00:00 March 25, 2010
* Gulf News
http://gulfnews.com/news/world/phili...itage-1.602447

Manila : A letter submitted to the House of Representatives calls for declaring cockfighting as part of the country's national cultural heritage.

Representative Rodolfo Plaza, author of the letter, said cockfighting is deeply engrained in the customs and traditions of Filipinos and that the sport is already part of their identity.

Cockfighting, a sport which pits two roosters fitted with razor sharp blades against each other is a popular, traditional and customary form of recreation and entertainment among Filipinos especially during holidays, fiestas, fairs and other events.

Plaza, who represents the congressional district of Agusan del Sur, is urging the National Commission for Culture and Arts and the National Historical Institute to declare cockfighting as part of the intangible Philippine cultural heritage.

"Intangible cultural heritage includes practices, representations expressions and skills, as well as the objects, instruments and artefacts that communities, groups and individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage," Plaza said.

Purpose built arenas

Presently, cockfights are allowed inside purpose built arenas where betting is legal, but clandestine matches also abound.

Plaza argued that even the law that bans illegal cockfights, Presidential Decree No 449, or the Cockfighting Law, recognises that cockfighting is a vehicle for the preservation and perpetuation of native Filipino heritage that enhances national identity.

"Cockfighting should neither be exploited as an object of commercialism or business enterprise nor made a tool of uncontrolled gambling," Plaza said.

"Cockfighting must be recognised and institutionalised as part of the national cultural heritage and must be promoted, protected and enhanced," Plaza said.

Reacting on the news that cockfighting may soon be declared as part of the country's national heritage, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society said they were "aghast".

I dont support this. Cockfighting is a cruel sport. This goes against the Animal Welfare Act.

Originally Posted by jpdm

Pero anyway, sana matuloy na yung bagong nayon Pilipino kahit hindi puro sugalan o casino ilagay...mga amusement park, hotels and sporting venues, or even a zoo ang sana ilagay...

Id like a continuity of Genuino's role in PAGCOR. Kung wala sa kanya hindi nasimulan ang BNP. For investors and businessmen, continuity is important in business. For a long term project like BNP, you need to deal with predictable people and government. Otherwise walang kwenta maginvest sa isang business na paiba iba ng kausap.

[RonnieR]

Originally Posted by xxxriainxxx

I dont support this. Cockfighting is a cruel sport. This goes against the Animal Welfare Act.

Cruel sport? Every day, there is cockfighting here in towns, provinces and cities whether small time, pintakasi, international cockfighting at Araneta Coliseum with millions of pesos exchanging among the bettors. I don't like it but we get this from our former colonial master - Spain.

Id like a continuity of Genuino's role in PAGCOR. Kung wala sa kanya hindi nasimulan ang BNP. For investors and businessmen, continuity is important in business. For a long term project like BNP, you need to deal with predictable people and government. Otherwise walang kwenta maginvest sa isang business na paiba iba ng kausap.

Me, too.

related news.
PAGCOR HITS P29.78B TOTAL REVENUE IN 2009 (that's huge, US$662 M)

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) showed extraordinary resiliency in 2009 after it hit its income target for the year, in spite of the financial crisis across the globe.



PAGCOR posted P29.78 billion unaudited total annual income, almost one per cent higher than its P29.61 billion total annual income in 2008.



Although the increase in income was smaller compared to the previous years, the PAGCOR management said it “was a notable achievement” especially given the devastating impact of the global economic crunch, even to the most powerful economies in the world. Also, amidst the crisis, PAGCOR’s total income in 2009, according to PAGCOR Chairman Efraim C. Genuino, was recorded as the highest in history.



“The year 2009 was tough for many industries, including the gaming and entertainment sector in Asia and the United States. A huge percentage of Las Vegas, for instance slowly became bank-owned due to the high foreclosure rates of hotel and commercial properties. Unemployment rate in the Las Vegas strip alone jumped from 3.8% to 12.3% after numerous commercial and gaming establishments closed shop,” Genuino said.

The PAGCOR chief said that the state-run gaming firm was not spared from the economic recession. However, the Philippine gaming industry thrived amidst the crisis by providing alternative entertainment and amusement options.



“Our country is surrounded by vast natural wonders, relaxation sites and world-class accommodations that are easy on the pocket. We offer foreign tourists a good chance to unwind and enjoy the good life without having to shell out a fortune,” Genuino added.



Genuino cited that next to the PAGCOR casino branches in Manila, which posted the highest business income in 2009, Cebu City, Tagaytay and the provincial branches in Luzon are the next favorite destinations of players, who are potential tourists as well.



Apart from the country’s tourism potential, the PAGCOR management attributes the Corporation’s success to excellent customer service, win-win marketing strategies, the commitment of its 12,000 strong workforce and the business paradigm shift from mere casino gaming to total entertainment. Currently, PAGCOR is staging the world-class theatrical dance production dubbed Flow at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Paranaque City as part of its plan to make the Philippines a venue for international shows.


“We have not stopped thinking of creative ways to attract more customers and boost the Corporation’s income. We have to rise above any crisis and be competitive, otherwise, we will be left behind by our international counterparts,” Genuino said.
http://www.pagcor.ph/news/pagcor-hit...ue-in-2009.php

[xxxriainxxx]

Originally Posted by RonnieR

Cruel sport? Every day, there is cockfighting here in towns, provinces and cities whether small time, pintakasi, international cockfighting at Araneta Coliseum with millions of pesos exchanging among the bettors. I don't like it but we get this from our former colonial master - Spain.



Me, too.

Yes, I think it is cruel sport. Headhunting was part of our culture as well (esp in the northern tribes, but that does not mean that we have to continue it. As the civilisation advances, we must improve our ways too.

[absinthe_888]

Originally Posted by jpdm

True.Kala ni Genuino at ng backer nya sa Palasyo habang buhay niyang gagatasan ang Pagcor at sila lagi maghahari...patay sila kay Noynoy at ang avenging LP.

Kaya kaming maka NP at Villar...contructive opposition lang..kunin ang Senado at makipag-alliance sa lower house.

Pumunta lang sa bayan ng Los Baños, Laguna para makita saan pumupunta ang pera ng PAGCOR.

[Ady001]

Originally Posted by xxxriainxxx

I dont support this. Cockfighting is a cruel sport. This goes against the Animal Welfare Act.



Id like a continuity of Genuino's role in PAGCOR. Kung wala sa kanya hindi nasimulan ang BNP. For investors and businessmen, continuity is important in business. For a long term project like BNP, you need to deal with predictable people and government. Otherwise walang kwenta maginvest sa isang business na paiba iba ng kausap.

You can tell that to anone... He likes it , or was it swordfighting?