"Council Hesitant as Regards Online Gambling Plan"

Members of the City Council in the Philippine city of Cagayan de Ora, have accepted a resolution that takes note and is cognizant of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (Pagcorp) application for operating Internet gaming stations inside the city. This was done in spite of the vocal resistance put forth by local church and civic leaders.

Because of the staunch disagreement of the Church and various civic leaders, some council members have expressed concern over the approval. Acting Vice-Mayor of the council, Edward Cabanlaes, is one of these members. During deliberations over the resolution, Cabanlaes is reported as saying that he feels jittery by the agreement of council members to become participants in this decision.

The resolution was however, approved, but not without changes in the wording. The agreement originally stated that no objection was imposed to Pagcorp’s application. Then the City Council altered the wording in that it too closely resembled that wording used in the council’s endorsement of the slot machine operations of one of the local hotels. After the previous endorsement, the church and civic leaders vocally criticized the City Council. The word change is an attempt to circumvent a repetition of such criticisms.

Councilor Maryanne Enteriata, pointed out, that as Pagcorp’s gambling operations do not necessitate the council approval, the council’s support isn’t really necessary.

Arguing that the improved betting stations provided by such an operation will do a improved job of preventing minors from gambling, Councilor Reynaldos Advincular, Chairman of the Games and Amusements Committee, defended Pagcorp’s goal of operating in the city. At these stations anyone under the age of 21 is banned from playing. The betting stations are to be similar in function to the lotto stations operated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, however, there will be a minimal number.

Pagcorp offers Internet based gambling as well. Internet gambling options include BasketballandJackpot & GameUPick where bettors can place their bets at various Pagcorp Internet Sports Wagering Stations (ISWS). The ISWS offer various formats for placing bets such as Finalist Scores, the famous Last Two Digits ending game and other Las Vegas style games such as Points Spread, Over&Under and Pick-ur-Win. All of the formats are based on the outcomes of authentic basketball games. Pagcorp even has online betting on cockfights, an event that is becoming more and more popular in Manila. It is not for sure however, that such an option will be available in the city of Cagayan de Ora.

A statement on the matter has not yet been issued by the local diocese of the Catholic Church, but a massive action against the gambling facility is planned according to one Church official.