Latest news with #SolaireResort
Arabian Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Casino Giants Renew Vow to Uphold Responsible Play
Three of the largest integrated resort‑casino operators in the Philippines have reiterated their commitment to legal compliance and responsible gaming, asserting that their online offerings remain firmly regulated under national laws. Their statement arrives amid heightened scrutiny of online gambling platforms by the national government, underlining the intensifying policy debate over the sector's societal impact. At the heart of the declaration are Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts and Okada Manila. In coordinated announcements issued on Sunday, the operators emphasised that their online platforms are fully licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and employ advanced technologies—such as geo‑fencing and IP filtering—to ensure access is restricted to users within authorised zones. Officials at the casinos highlighted rigorous Know‑Your‑Customer protocols, including mandatory verification within 72 hours and stringent age‑gating mechanisms. The measures also extend to anti‑money‑laundering compliance, transparent gaming systems, and annual audits. Responsible‑gaming tools now form integral parts of platforms, enabling player self‑exclusion, deposit caps and time limits. ADVERTISEMENT While presenting their case, the operators referenced ongoing concerns raised by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the welfare implications of online gambling, particularly its effects on vulnerable families. The Palace has reportedly weighed tighter regulation measures, including taxation reforms and curbs on influencer marketing for gambling. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco has voiced strong opposition to any outright ban, warning that it would drive users toward illegal offshore platforms—where no regulation, taxation or consumer protections exist. He pointed out that in 2024, PAGCOR collected PHP 50 billion in licensing and fees, predominantly from online operations. A ban, he cautioned, could eliminate a similar scale of government revenue, alongside risking thousands of jobs across the hospitality and service sectors. Despite the economic rationale, critics remain vocal. Interior Assistant Secretary Florencio Valeriano argued that 'no financial gain justifies the social toll of gambling, especially among the poor,' and cautioned that history has shown banning formal platforms only drives the industry underground. Legal and tech experts have urged a balanced approach. In a detailed memo, attorney and consultant Tonet Quiogue urged policymakers to direct enforcement efforts at illicit operators rather than penalising regulated platforms. She warned that a blanket prohibition would severely undermine the state's capacity to monitor and tax the sector effectively. As part of its regulatory response, PAGCOR recently mandated the removal of outdoor advertising for gambling services, including billboards and in‑transit ads on public vehicles. The directive, issued on 7 July, sets a compliance deadline of 15 August and requires an audit of existing ads by 16 July. Only responsible‑gaming campaigns approved by PAGCOR may remain visible thereafter. The casino operators reaffirmed that their promotional content and marketing materials undergo review by PAGCOR and the Advertising Standards Council, underscoring their broader compliance posture. In the wake of this joint public statement, Cracow Manila, the city of Manila's municipal regulators and local stakeholders, are expected to weigh in on the unfolding debate, as are lawmakers in Congress assessing policy interventions ranging from taxation adjustments to tighter influencer marketing controls.
GMA Network
12-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Solaire, Newport World Resorts, Okada say online gaming ops follow laws
Three of the country's largest integrated resort-casino operators on Saturday said their online gaming operations comply with laws and regulations amid proposals to either impose stricter rules or a total ban on online gambling. In a joint statement, Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts, and Okada Manila said, 'Our online gaming operations are a regulated and responsibly managed extension of our operations—designed to complement our primary offerings.' 'We prioritize ethical business practices and promote responsible gaming under the robust regulation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR),' the casino-resort operators said. Solaire, Newport World Resorts, and Okada emphasized that they hold all necessary licenses and accreditations from PAGCOR, 'meeting stringent legal requirements for gaming operators and system administrators.' For their online gambling operations, the casino-resort operators said they strictly enforce PAGCOR's geographic restrictions while employing advanced geo-fencing and IP-filtering technologies to prevent player registration and betting from outside the Philippines. 'Our platform adheres rigorously to AML regulations. We implement comprehensive Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures and player verification within 72 hours of registration, ensuring the integrity of our operations and safeguarding players,' they said. 'We actively promote responsible gaming through tools such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, and account restrictions. We strictly prohibit minors from accessing our platform through our stringent age-gating system and verification. We likewise offer resources for individuals seeking assistance with gambling-related issues,' they added. The casino-resort operators said all their gaming equipment and games undergo rigorous evaluation and receive approval from PAGCOR prior to deployment. They also use Certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fairness and transparency. 'Our promotional materials undergo thorough review and approval from PAGCOR and the Advertising Standards Council (ASC), ensuring ethical communication and social responsibility,' they said. 'Every employee holds a valid gaming employment license from PAGCOR and participates in annual compliance training programs,' they added. Moreover, the casino-resort operators said they fully comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) in protecting personal and financial information with stringent security protocols, including data encryption and access controls. 'Routine audits of our gaming systems, transaction records, and compliance procedures reinforce our accountability and integrity,' they said. 'All content and promotional materials are thoroughly reviewed internally to ensure alignment with regulatory standards, ethical guidelines, and responsible gaming principles.' Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday filed the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, seeking to mandate internet service providers, mobile network operators, and digital platforms to block access to gambling websites and remove related apps within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or PAGCOR. At the House of Representatives, lawmakers, including Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez and Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon, are pushing for stricter regulations instead of a total ban. Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill 1351, seeking to limit access to online gambling. Senators JV Ejercito and Sherwin Gatchalian also called for strict regulations. On Wednesday, several online gaming operators licensed with PAGCOR opposed proposals for a total ban, warning that Filipinos might shift to unregulated sites on the black market. 'Out of 195 countries worldwide, 177 choose to regulate online gaming. Only 18 nations, including North Korea, Iran, and Somalia, maintain total bans, and none have succeeded in eradicating underground gaming,' the statement said. The statement was signed by World Platinum Technologies Inc., AB Leisure Exponent Inc., Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc., Gamemaster Integrated Inc., Lucky Taya Gaming Corp., Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp., Igo Digital High Technology Inc., Megabet Corp., Gavin Ventures Inc., Gotech Entertainment Inc., Meta Interactive Software Solutions, Inc., Nextstage Entertainment Inc., Webzoid System Solutions Corporation, and Trojan Wells Entertainment Corp. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Hyun Bin is coming to Manila this August, and here's how you can win a chance to meet him
Hyun Bin is coming to Manila this August! Solaire Resort announced that they're bringing the South Korean star to the city on August 8, and fans can score a chance to meet him in person. Every P2,000 net single spend receipt in bars and restaurants at Solaire equals one raffle entry. You can transform the receipts into golden tickets at the Raffle Redemption Hub at: Solaire Resort Entertainment City: Solaire Box Office (across the Grand Ballroom) Solaire Resort North: Level 2 (beside the function lift) All raffle entries submitted from July 1 to 31 will be eligible for the draw. Winners will be drawn on July 31 at 7 p.m. Hyun Bin is famous for the popular drama "Crash Landing on You," where he starred alongside his now wife Son Ye Jin. The actor also starred in "My Lovely Sam Soon" and "Secret Garden," among others. —JCB, GMA Integrated News
