The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has cut 665 jobs after selling its casino in Manila Bay. Last year, PAGCOR announced plans to privatize the casino industry and promised to sell all their owned casinos by 2025.
PAGCOR first announced the transition to privatization in 2023. The gambling regulator told employees that they would not lose their jobs and instead be reassigned. However, after recent layoffs, it seems that PAGCOR might be unable to keep its promise.
Filipino Casino New Coast employees were informed of the layoffs last December at a town hall meeting. After hearing how the industry was back on track after Covid restrictions sidelined revenue over the last couple of years, employees were left confused.
Former employees stated they were offered other jobs, but the jobs were limited. Other former employees said the pay was less than their current rate. PAGCOR chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco told reporters that they had complied with labor laws and that a special severance package had been provided to all employees affected by the layoffs.
Future Plans For Online Casinos
PAGCOR has also announced plans for online gambling in the Philippines with the addition of a government-owned online Filipino Casino. As of 2024, online casinos licensed from the Philippines cannot offer their services online to PH residents.
According to Philippine gambling laws, only online casinos outside the country with trusted gaming regulators’ licenses can offer online real-money casino games to the Philippines.
What Online Casino Games Can Be Played Online?
Online casinos that service the Philippines offer popular games such as online blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, slots, and live dealer games. When gambling online, there are more options for minimum wagers, game titles, and bonus rewards. Since the games are housed online, you will find more slot variations online.
Live Dealer Online Casino Games
Live dealer games are played exclusively over a live video feed. When choosing a live casino game, you can select your seat at the table and the minimum buy-in amount. Online casino sites offer different live games, but generally, you can find blackjack, roulette, Super6, and baccarat.
Live dealer games have higher buy-in when compared to their online counterparts since a live dealer has to be employed. Buy-ins typically start as low as $1 depending on the game you play and can go as high as $2,000 depending on the size limits.