Following the recent temporary revocation of Clark Freeport Zone’s offshore gaming hub by the Philippine gaming regulator, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has decided to stop accepting new applications from offshore gaming operators eager to operate in the zone. According to Inside Asian Gaming Reports, the decision appears to have been triggered by the involvement of the hub of Sun Valley Clark in various illegal activities that could prevent the new offshore gaming hub until further notice.
New businesses prohibited:
The CDC board reportedly followed CDC management’s recommendation not to allow new offshore service providers to establish gaming facilities in the Clark Freeport Zone, according to information recently provided by national gaming regulator PAGCOR.
Operations that are no longer authorized:
“CDC will no longer process or approve the operations of games coming overseas, even if they already have PAGCOR’s license,” Agnes Devanadera, the CDC’s president and CEO, said in the case, according to the source. The move means the Clark Freeport Zone will continue to host only four authorized game operators and one licensed offshore service provider. These operators were licensed or renewed for games prior to the restrictions and do not appear to have a criminal record.
Misconduct and Criminal Offences:
Inside Asian Gaming reported last month that PAGCOR revoked its gaming license for CGC Technologies and its provisional approval for Sun Valley Clark in Clark Freeport. Regulators reportedly claimed that CGC Technologies was involved in fraud and criminal activities, including human trafficking and serious detention, while Sun Valley Clark did not establish legitimate and orderly offshore gaming operations.
These failures and crimes led regulators to suspend targeted service providers and leave them to competent national authorities, but to stop new offshore applications to prevent similar actions from occurring further.
Penalties subject to:
The latest restrictions are reportedly the result of ongoing efforts by the Philippine entertainment game company to establish safety and security in the country by banning offshore game clubs that violate the law and engage in misconduct in providing game services. On June 9, PAGCOR announced that offshore license holders or game operators who lease or re-lease licenses for third-party operation in the Clark Freeport Zone will be investigated and fined $50,000, according to a source.