PAGCOR restores gambling license of Resorts World

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) on Thursday lifted the suspension order on the gaming license of Resorts World Manila operator Travellers International Hotel Group Inc.

The gaming regulator suspended Resorts World's provisional license to operate a gambling casino on June 9, a week after a lone gunman attacked it, stole P113 million in gaming chips, and burned gambling tables.

Thirty seven employees and guests died of smoke inhalation, and the burnt remains of gunman, Jessie Carlos, were later found in Room 510 of the adjacent Maxims Hotel.

In a separate statement, Travellers International said that gaming operations resumed in gambling areas not affected by the June 2 incident.

“With PAGCOR’s assistance and guidance, we can now start the difficult task of rebuilding as it is also our responsibility to take care of our 6,000 staff and personnel,” Travellers International President and CEO Kingson Sian said.

“We are bringing back the gaming operations on the ground and third floors of our integrated resort. The second floor will no longer be used for casino operations and will be utilized for other non-gaming purposes instead,” Sian added.

On the Philippine Stock Exchange, shares of Travellers International rose by P0.01 or 0.29 to P3.41 per share from Wednesday's close of P3.40.

The suspension order was lifted after "careful scrutiny and deliberations" on the matter, according to PAGCOR.

"The lifting of said suspension takes effect today, following Travellers International’s compliance with PAGCOR’s required security and safety improvements," the regulator said.

It cited the security and safety improvements at Resorts World:

• Hired a new security agency and experts to assess and improve safety and security systems

• Increased the number of X-Ray machines and metal detectors

• Doubled the deployment of guards with firearms

• Ongoing review and improvement of safety and security protocols for various emergency scenarios

• Conducted additional safety and security seminars for employees

• Had professional structural engineers assess the building to ensure structural integrity

• Obtained Fire Safety Inspection Certificate from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority

"Aside from compliance with security and safety improvements, PAGCOR lifted the suspension order in consideration of Travellers International's 6,000 gaming operations workforce, whose livelihood is now affected," PAGCOR emphasized.

The regulator also stressed that the government loses P14 million a day on average or P434 million a month while the suspension order is in place.

"PAGCOR, however, would like to maintain its position that the lifting of the  suspension order does not clear Travellers International's officers and personnel of any criminal liability, which is to be determined by government investigating bodies," it said.

The directive is for Travellers International and all gaming operators to continuously improve their safety procedures and protocols to ensure that this tragic incident will not happen again, according to PAGCOR.

"PAGCOR wants to move on as an institution. Hence, it is doing what is best and what is legal for the greater good of everyone," the regulator said. — VDS/KVD, GMA News