Poker house with more than one table is already a casino –Goking

Councilor George S. Goking, chair of the committee on trade commerce, explained that operating a poker house and casino needs a resolution of no objection from the city council but the operator must apply for a franchise with Pagcor, which regulates all casinos in the country.

The councilor made the statement following the raid conducted by agents of National Bureau of Investigation on an alleged poker house in barangay Nazareth, this city.

Goking pointed out that a person may apply for a poker table permit.

More than one table, it is already a casino, said the councilor, who once worked with Pagcor.

Small Town Lottery (STL) and lotto outlets, on the other hand, are under the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, he added.

Goking emphasized that the City Council resolution is not a permit but one of the requirements of PAGCOR.

He made it clear that the City Council did not err in giving the resolution to the operator in Nazareth.

While lauding businessmen for investing in the City, he urged them to comply with the laws of the land.