GAMBLING INVASION

Slot machines follow STL and Poker in Iloilo

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has proposed to operate slot machines in a hotel in Iloilo City.

Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said he has endorsed Pagcor’s intent to the City council, particularly the committee on games and amusement chaired by Councilor Lyndon Acap.

Initial information from City Hall revealed that Pagcor will install and operate the slot machines in the premises of Amigo Terrace Hotel.

Mabilog said he wants the council to hold public hearings on Pagcor’s proposal to determine public acceptance of slot machine games in the city.

Acap could not be reached for comment.

Before the slot machines, a poker game club is currently operating in a leisure park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

All-in Poker Sports Club, which is also sanctioned by Pagcor, is operating at the Boardwalk area. It opened December 18, 2009 amidst controversies and opposition from some sectors particularly the Catholic church.

Meanwhile, the committee of the whole in the Iloilo provincial board will meet today to decide whether or not to hold more public hearings on the proposal of Around D’World Gaming Corp. (ADGC) to operate Small Town Lottery in the province.

In the first hearing conducted October 16, 12 of the 14 invited groups and personalities opposed STL operations in Iloilo.