PACGOR and the Clark Security Advisory Council join forces to block illegal offshore gambling. However, does the Council’s decision to also ban new POGOs, even if approved by PACGOR, help or harm the future of the market?
The Clark Development Corporation has a vision for Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, which sees it becoming a “modern sustainable aerotropolis”. It could be this long-term planning that has recently seen the region become increasingly unfriendly towards the expansion of its offshore online gambling sector.
There is some concern that the board overseeing online gambling in Clark might be overstepping in their excitement to be seen to take action. A healthy, regulated gambling jurisdiction must balance player safety with industry growth.
New Council Says No to POGOs
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and a newly created Clark Security Advisory Council have joined forces in an effort to stop unlicensed offshore gambling in the former US airbase turned modernised industrial estate.
Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and Chief Executive Officer Agnes Devanadera said:
Quote“The CDC will no longer process or approve the operation of any incoming overseas gaming, even if they already have a license from PAGCOR.”
This decision to halt the addition of new licensees, regardless of their standing with PACGOR, will see the market expansion come to an end. This decision will, however, favour the providers already in operation.
At present, there are four locally accredited online gambling license holders and one licensed offshore gambling provider with permission to operate with the Clark Freeport Zone.
Operational Accreditation Easily Stripped
The Clark Security Advisory Council has been quick to warn license holders that they are not in any position to capitalise on their situation illegally. PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for Offshore Gaming Licensing Attorney Jessa Fernandez clarified that any licensed gambling sites found to be sub-licensing their access to the market would be “subjected to a hefty penalty including the cancellation of their licenses or accreditation”.
This is no empty threat, as the oversight committee has already cancelled the accreditation of several gaming sites, including Sun Valley Clark and CGC Technologies. The basis of the Sun Valley Clark ban was its “failure to ensure a lawful and orderly conduct of offshore gaming by its occupants in its registered sites”, while CGC Technologies was “embroiled in various allegations including credit card fraud”, among other more serious claims.
Video slots have improved since the days of the three-reel slot games, with a greater number of paylines and ways to win, and superb features all designed to keep you playing. Knowing how these work can guide you to maximise your potential profits.
Kate Gavrilenko of Platipus Gaming explains how slot mathematical models are built, balancing RTP, volatility, probabilities, payouts and bonus features for successful games.
Let’s look at three exclusive welcome bonuses available to online players through GamblersPick. Grab any of the following exclusive promotions and start playing at trusted, reviewed online casinos with generous offers available regularly.
Casinos
Games
Jackpots
