Philippines sports betting operator MegaSportsWorld (MSW) has been granted approval by gaming regulator PAGCOR to launch a remote gaming platform to service sports betting customers nationwide.
With COVID-19 continuing to stifle the land-based gaming industry across much of the Philippines, particularly Metro Manila, the new MSW platform will allow customers to legally place their sports bets from the comfort of their own home.
“We are delighted with this initiative by PAGCOR,” said MSW Managing Director, Jeff Mann.
“It will be the first time MSW, in its 12-year history, will be able to provide our verified customers a fully regulated, online option in addition to our successful bricks & mortar offering.
“Like everyone else we have taken a major knock to our business during the past 16 months due to various COVID related issues including extensive community lockdowns and restrictions, but we are now in a ‘build back’ mode with an aggressive investment and 5-year expansion plan now in place.
“This online offering comes just at the right time and compliments our leadership position in the market.”
Prior to the pandemic, MSW was operating through 70 outlets across the Philippines as well as providing a VIP telephone betting service.
It recently launched a new flagship outlet at City of Dreams Manila, joining existing outlets at Resorts World Manila, Winford Hotel and Casino in Clark and a number of PAGCOR operated casinos.
Mann said the ability to go online meant MSW was also positioned to combat a raft of illegal sports betting operators to have taken advantage of the space in recent times.
“Our only competitors right now are the illegals who have become especially aggressive during COVID,” he said.
“Now with MSW going online for the first time, it puts us on a level playing field with these cowboys. MSW’s long standing reputation in the market combined with what will be a trusted online offering can only take back lost market share from the illegals and help grow the market even further.”
The approval of MSW’s online platform comes after PAGCOR last year approved a scheme, known as PIGO (Philippine Inland Gaming Operators), under which casino and integrated resort operators can be licensed to offer online gambling to existing registered members, allowing them to log in and play from anywhere within the country.
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