Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR has issued a memorandum informing gaming site operators that it would no longer approve any new applications to open eBingo gaming sites in 11 areas around the country, including large swathes of Manila and the Cagayan Special Economic Zone.
The memorandum, signed by Angeline Papica-Entienza, follows a PAGCOR board meeting on 14 November with the board determining that the eBingo market is “oversaturated.”
The 11 areas include the cities of Manila, Paranaque, Mandaluyong, Pasig, San Juan, Pasay and Quezon City within the capital region as well as Cagayan De Oro City, Angeles City, Mandaue City and Baguio City.
PAGCOR gave no information on the duration of its latest freeze order, which comes 10 months after it revealed a five-year moratorium on any new casino license approvals nation-wide.
Papica-Entienza was appointed head of PAGCOR’s Gaming Licensing and Development Department and as Assistant Vice President of the regulator in July.