- Jun 06, 2018 MANILA, Philippines — Bloomberry Resorts Corp., the owner and operator of the Solaire Resort & Casino and Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino in Korea, plans to open its Quezon City casino by early 2022.
- Regrettably, there are zero casinos in Quezon city. But there are nearby casinos such as Casino Filipino & Manila Pavilion Hotel, Midas Casino & Hotel Pasay, Resort World Manila, Manila City Of Dreams Resort & Casino, and Solaire Resort & Casino Paranaque.
Newly-elected Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has some interesting plans for the casino industry. Belmonte is considering casino fees in Quezon City for all players. It’s a tough measure that not everyone seems onboard with.
Search by Casino Name, City or Country. Gambling in Quezon City. Casinos in Philippines cities. Casinos by country.
This new measure will need to be approved by local courts. In the past, PAGCOR has made it clear that they set the Philippines’ gambling laws, not local politicians. Let’s take a look at how this situation is shaking up.
Mayor Wants Casino Fees in Quezon City
Joy Belmonte has an unusual approach to casino gambling. Back in March, she pushed for Quezon City’s council to approve a casino development in the city. With this approval came strict regulations for locals wishing to gamble inside casinos here. PAGCOR did not appreciate Belmonte taking gambling laws into her own hands.
In a statement, PAGCOR reiterated that the group
“maintains its position that local government units (LGU) do not have the authority to regulate games of chance even in their localities. Instead, this function is a mandate of PAGCOR by virtue of its charter, Presidential Decree 1869.”
To her credit, Belmonte is not backing down.
In a recent interview, the mayor stated that she is beginning the process to approve casino fees in Quezon City. Of course, these laws are unlikely to be passed in the local courts. Despite her approval of the casino project, it’s clear that Belmonte does not like gambling.
Much like President Duterte has mentioned in the past, Belmonte feels gambling is a vice. Similarly to the President, she recognizes that it’s a vice she cannot ban. Let’s look at the set of regulations she is pushing for.
Mayor Belmonte’s Plan for Casinos in Quezon City
During a recent interview, Mrs. Belmonte laid out plans to charge casino fees in Quezon City for all local gamblers. She wants a flat fee of 1500 PHP ($29 USD) for any local visiting a casino within a 24-hour period. If these casinos allow for annual memberships, locals will be charged $600 per year.
According to Belmonte, a local government body called the Gambling Regulatory Advisory Council is being called in to “evaluate gambling operations” in Quezon City. The group will work with the Police Department and PAGCOR to set new regulations towards casino gaming in the city.
At the moment, Quezon City allows locals to access numerous e-bingo parlors. PAGCOR is quick to point out the hypocrisy taking place. Belmonte wants to stop casino gambling, yet continues to allow this other form of gambling to take place. There is some serious conflict brewing between the two parties.
A legal battle is set to take place. PAGCOR wants to maintain a tight grip on all gambling regulations throughout the country. Belmonte and her party want to prove they can set laws within their own city. What should we expect to happen?
Townhouse In Quezon City
PAGCOR vs. Joy Belmonte, Who Will Win?
Online Casino In Quezon City Barangays
There is a serious risk for PAGCOR to lose some of its authority here. Back in March, they stated that if Belmonte wanted to impose new restrictions, she should have made it clear to Bloomberry Resorts Corp. This company is set to construct a new casino in Quezon City.
It’s very likely for this case to make its way to the Philippines’ Supreme Court. Here, both parties will lay out their alleged authority to make decisions. Belmonte is making it clear that she will respect the court’s decision.
“If the Supreme Court rules in favor of PAGCOR, we will respect the ruling of the Supreme Court,” she said.
PAGCOR is certainly the betting favorite here. This group has been the primary gambling regulator in the Philippines for decades.
Anything can happen, though. The Supreme Court may decide that Belmonte is correct. Perhaps even the President, Rodrigo Duterte, will give his opinion that casino fees in Quezon City should be implemented. Stay tuned for updates on the case as they come out!
Do you think Belmonte is correct to set casino fees? What will the Supreme Court rule? Let us know in the comments section below!