Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR has expanded the suspension of all gaming operations to cover the entire nation, with the emerging casino hub of Clark and even the POGO industry now shut down until at least 12 April.
President Rodrigo Duterte announced late Monday that he was implementing community quarantine for the entire main island of Luzon, having days earlier done the same for the Metro Manila area alone, to further limit the spread of COVID-19. PAGCOR subsequently ordered the closure of all gaming activities in Manila.
In response to questions from Inside Asian Gaming on Tuesday regarding Duterte’s latest directive, PAGCOR said it had “ordered yesterday the temporary suspension of gaming activities nationwide, hence, even those outside the National Capital Region.
“This covers PAGCOR-owned and operated and licensed entities, casinos, bingo, sports betting, poker, slot machines and eGames.”
The state-run Philippine News Agency also reported that POGO companies are included in the suspension and are to remain closed until further notice.
