Councilor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. cited records from the city council indicating that since 2017, a total of 21 council resolutions have been passed virtually expressing support for the establishment of 21 new e-games that include e-bingo, e-casino, bingo club, poker club, “instawin” and sportsbetting.
“This number is on top of other e-games already established before 2013, so it is possible that Angeles now hosts no less than 100 e-game facilities,” he said.
Lazatin said he has asked Pagcor to “conduct site inspections to determine that there are no radial violations” in the locations of the gambling facilities, amid regulations that bar them within some distance from schools.
Lazatin explained that while there are no restrictions on the number of e-games outlets that can be established in this city, Pagcor prohibits them from locating within 300 meters from a school.
He cited e-casino and e-bingo outlets in a building along Don Gueco Avenue which hosts several schools.
Under the Gaming Regulatory Manual Version 2.2 dated September 21, 2016, e-games must be at least 300 meters away from schools, places of worship/ churches, horse racing outlets, public markets, informal settlers and resettlement areas, he noted.
“We have to make sure that our children are safeguarded against these vices,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin opposed last April 12, the passage of a resolution “posing no objection to the operation of an electronic games, “instawin” and sportsbetting by the SHL Amusement and gaming Inc. located at New Point Entec 2, Mall, Units 16- 19 Nepo Center, Angeles City,” which, he noted, were within 300 meters of schools and even churches.
He also opposed the passage of the “Resolution interposing no objection to the establishment, maintenance and operation of PAGCOR licensed Archer 88 Entertainment Inc. of Poker Sports Club located at Prince Hotel in Barangay Anunas.”
The Prince Hotel is located near American International Learning Academy, Amen Mission Christian School, Gentry International School, Jesus Christ Eternal Word Parish Church, Iglesia ni Cristo local of Friendship and an urban poor area in Barangay Anunas.
