Running an online casino in the Philippines is illegal without authorization from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Five Korean nationals found that out the hard way after they were arrested by the country’s National Bureau of Investigation in Pasay City for operating an illegal online casino.
According to abs-cbnnews.com, the Koreans have been identified as Yongkyu Ho, Namyeab Chu, Jinghao Li, Mei Li and Jinghao Yin.
Palmer Mallari, chief of the Technical Investigation Division, told the news website: “We received reports of betting operations here by Korean nationals.”
The arrest was made after NBI agents obtained a search warrant and raided two condominium units in Pasay, catching the perpetrators in the act of operating their illegal, money-making scheme. In addition, NBI agents also discovered a number of computers that the suspects were using to run their dirty business.
As per country laws, the state-owned and controlled Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is the sole authorized gambling operator in the Philippines. So unless you get the blessing from Pagcor, which these Koreans obviously didn’t get, you’re asking or a world of trouble.
As a result of the arrest, the five Korean national are now facing a multitude of charges, including violation of the Philippines’ Anti-Gambling Law, as well as Republic Act 9287. The latter was enacted in 2004 and is described as “an act increasing the penalties for illegal numbers”.
Koreans participating in illegal gambling activities haven’t fared particularly well in the country in the past few months. Last April, eight Koreans were arrested for running an illegal dog-fighting ring in Calauan, Laguna, although ultimately, they were released on bail. It’s something that still disgusts us to this day.
Hopefully, these five Korean nationals are put through the ringer and get what they deserve. We’re all for online gambling, but not when it’s being done illegally. It’s the kind of thing that ruins the reputation of the industry and should not, under any circumstances, be tolerated.
