PAGCOR e-Games FAQs

PAGCOR has prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding e-Games Cafes.

1. What is a PAGCOR e-Games Cafe?
* It is an internet Cafe dedicated to casino games
* A great Business opportunity anybody can own
* New games are added every three (3) months
2. What games can be played in a PAGCOR e-Games Cafe (Game Distribution)?
* Table Card Games 13 percent
* Video Poker 20 percent
* Slots 39 percent
* Other Games 28 percent
3. Who Plays (Player Demographics)?
* Male — 55 percent
* Female — 45 percent
4. Why a cafe instead of online, web-based?
* Not many Filipinos have credit cards. Those that do, don’t want to use them for internet transactions.
* Not many Filipinos own their own computers.
* A cash business is much simpler for entrepreneur-operators.
5. What is PAGCOR?
* The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is the government-owned and controlled corporation established to regulate all games of chance in the Philippines.
* It was created in 1976 to oversee the operation of gaming casinos, to generate funds for the government’s developmental projects, and to help curb illegal gambling. By virtue of R.A. 9487, its franchise was extended for another 25 years starting 11 July 2008.
* PAGCOR is a vital arm of the government in nation building. The State-owned firm is the second biggest source of government funds with 2007 annual revenue of PhP 27.7 billion.
6. How about its partner, PhilWeb Corporation?
* Founded in 2000, PhilWeb is the Philippines’ first listed internet company (PSE: Web), and the largest in terms of market capitalization. We are PAGCOR’s principal technology enabler, and assist PAGCOR in operating their e-games cafes. Their goal is to deliver safe, secure and fair electronic gaming to Filipinos.
7. What does PHilWeb Provides?
* Totally secure and fair gaming servers certified by PAGCOR
* 24/7 technical help and customer support for PAGCOR e-games cafe operators
* 24/7 cash and security support
8. Why is PAGCOR e-Games cafe one of the best investments one can make?
* No Franchise fee
* Typical startup capital is PhP 1.2 million to PhP 1.5 million only
* Monthly revenue is 28 percent of casino win
* Typical payback is 12 months.
9. How can one open their own PAGCOR e-Games cafe?
* Step 1. Locate a site and have it inspected by PAGCOR
The site must be at least 200 meters (center-to-center) from any school/educational institution or place of worship/religious center, It should also ideally be in a high-traffic area with reasonable security.
* Step 2. Letter of intent
This a letter that formally announces commitment to the business.
* Step 3. PAGCOR will issue a certificate to operate (CTO)
This gives an individual the assurance that PAGCOR approves of their proposal.
* Step 4. Obtain Consent from the Local Government Unit (LGU)
Preferably obtain a Letter of No Objection (LONO). This helps ensure that the operator will get the right permit before they invest money in the business.
* Step 5. Build/Install Cafe
The owner can choose between a rented space or a modular PAGCOR e-Games cafe built into a jumbo 45-ft shipping container (see above photo).
* Step 6. Obtain Mayor’s Permit
Every business needs a Business Permit from the LGU.
* Step 7. Launch!
PhilWeb will support the operator with marketing materials and strategies.
10. How about the cost?
* Package cost is PhP 1.5 million for the basic model and PhP 1.8 million for the deluxe model with roofdeck. Package is a complete turnkey solution; includes 16 gaming computers, cashier’s computer and network partitions, all furniture, lighting and bathroom fixtures.