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The Philippines is changing its gaming industry

25.02.2021 15:58

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The Philippine company Entertainment and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has allowed licensed establishments in the country to increase the number of seats at the poker tables.

Although no specific number has been provided, the new rules require players to have a distance of one meter, there must be barriers to the seats, and a face mask or face protective mask be worn while inside the venue. The regulator has assured that compliance will be checked. .

Poker is very popular in the Philippines and there are many private poker rooms in the country. PAGCOR said the establishments may redesign their poker rooms, including merging two tables into one large one to better meet the requirements.

The country’s regulatory agencies are working to stabilize the gaming industry during the pandemic. The Philippine House of Representatives recently approved a new bill on Licensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and their forreign workers.

According to the new law, POGOs will receive a 5% tax on gross income from their operations, as they are currently calculated based on net income. Foreign employees working for POGOs earning a minimum annual salary of 600 Philippine pesos (approximately 12,491$ USA), will have to pay an additional tax of 25% on their wages. The bill must go through three more successful readings in the Senate before it is approved by President Rodrigo Dutere.