PAGCOR defers fee collection to provide relief to operators

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) said it suspended the minimum guaranteed fees (MGF) scheme until June 1, citing unfavorable economic conditions.

“In consideration of the current economic crisis, please be informed that PAGCOR’s Board of Directors … approved the deferment on the imposition of MGF on gaming system administrators (GSAs),” it said in a memorandum dated March 30.

The new schedule now requires GSAs with electronic casino games and a P30-million minimum monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR) to pay the first tranche of P9 million for the June 1-Dec. 31 period.

Meanwhile, GSAs without electronic casino games and with a P15-million minimum monthly GGR are to pay P3 million.

For the second tranche, or Jan. 1, 2027, onwards, GSAs with electronic casino games and a minimum monthly GGR of P35 million will pay a P10.5-million MGF.

GSAs without electronic casino games and with P20-million minimum GGR per month will pay a P4-million MGF.

“Prior to the expiration of the two-month deferment period, the Electronic Gaming Licensing Department shall conduct a comprehensive evaluation of prevailing industry conditions,” according to the memorandum.

“(This) will determine whether (we will) proceed with, further adjust, or lift the deferment of the MGF implementation, consistent with the objective of long-term sector sustainability,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile