The rates proposed by the bills may also be an option but said amounts may already be considered too high by casino players,” the NTRC said. If indexed to inflation, the amount would be around P320 but may be rounded off to P500 or to as high as P1,500 similar to what Quezon City is proposing. The amount may also be increased since it has not been adjusted for more than two decades now. Perhaps what can be done is to make the collection of qualifying fee compulsory for players in all casinos operating in the Philippines whether Pagcor-operated casinos or licensed casinos. “In view of EO 48, there is no need for a bill that would mandate Pagcor to collect a casino entrance fee.
The EO provides the following: ‘Whereas, to raise additional revenue for the government, Pagcor may collect a qualifying fee from players entering the casinos,’” the NTRC pointed out, emphasizing the word “may.” “It is likewise noted that as presently worded under EO 48 the collection of the qualifying fee may be viewed as optional.