The Philippines is mulling “licence fees” of at least 30 percent on operators of electronically-delivered games – referred to as e-games.
That is according to comment by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, reported on Wednesday by Philippine media outlets.
Since January 1, land-based casinos at integrated resorts that provide online-delivered games – a separate category of provider – pay 25 percent licence fee on such play, down from a previous 30 percent.
Mr Recto was quoted as saying: “It [a licence fee on e-games] can be made 30 [percent.. 35 [percent]”, in comment to reporters at the sidelines of a gathering in San Juan City.
He added: “We’re studying that [licensing fees] because if it’s too high, it might lead to a rise in illegal operations, so we’re studying that with Pagcor.” That was a a reference to the country’s regulator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
The statement regarding a possible 30 percent-plus rate – or higher – on regulated domestic online gambling came soon after Monday’s state of the nation address by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, which a brokerage had anticipated might clarify whether the country would either regulate the sector more firmly, or ban it altogether. However, the country’s leader didn’t talk about the online gaming issue in his address.
On Tuesday, Francis Escudero, president of the Philippine Senate, said Mr Marcos’ decision not to mention the online gambling sector should not be seen as somehow a missed opportunity.
The senate leader made reference to the fact that a number of legislators had proposed bills with a variety of proposed solutions, up to and including a ban.
Mr Escudero said that in this context it would be unrealistic to expect President Marcos to tackle in his address all the proposals.
