For decades, Pagcor has dabbled in both regulating and running casinos (imagine Caesars Entertainment having disciplinary oversight of the rest of the U.S. casino industry). In recent years it has made intermittent noises about selling off its 47 casinos and becoming strictly a regulator. But nothing has been done. However, with the Philippines financially strapped by the Coronavirus pandemic, one lawmaker says this is the time 
for Pagcor to act. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon thinks there’s a $5.9 billion payday to be had. Trouble is, Pagcor’s casinos are finally profitable, which would give the government an incentive to maintain the status quo. Pagcor points out that 100% of those profits go directly to the government, while private casinos in the archipelago are taxed at 19.5% of gross gaming revenue. Nor would a Pagcor sale likely be as simple as proponents believe. In the words of CalvinAyre.com, “It would be naïve to think that any casino sale would result in fast cash, like running to a local pawnshop to sell grandma’s gold earrings, and the entire process would most likely not provide the level of economic support some may expect—it certainly wouldn’t offer it in the timeframe some believe.” Besides, if strongman Rodrigo Duterte isn’t behind it, it’s not going anywhere.
* At least Montana taverns with slot routes have reason to celebrate the Small Business Administration‘s expansion of Paycheck Protection Program largesse. Businesses with $1 million in revenue of which less than 50% is derived from gambling qualify for relief. The average Montana tavern grosses $700K a year, $300K of that from slots. So it squeezes in just under the ‘means test.’ This set off some celebration among Montana politicos. “I’m glad the Administration heard us loud and clear and reversed course, giving these employers much-needed relief as we deal with the effects of COVID-19,” said Sen. Jon Tester (D). The question is, does the SBA’s clemency come in time for it to be of help to Montanans? The money’s said to have all been spent.
Jottings: Westgate Las Vegas is franchising its SuperBook in Colorado. Said sports book boss Jay Kornegay, “The casinos operating in Colorado are in remote areas, unlike Nevada and the Strip. They are mountain towns, so the remote signup option Coloradans have for mobile apps is vital … Most of our handle, 95% will be mobile” … Virgin Hotel Las Vegas President Richard Bosworth insists that the project remains on schedule. Interestingly, he says hotel ownership was “aware” of Coronavirus at the time of the Hard Rock Hotel‘s farewell weekend—but went ahead with it anyway … Sports betting in Tennessee is finally a ‘go’ (although Internet-only). Now it just needs some sports on which to bet … Can’t go to see the Chippendales at The Rio? Now the beefcake can come to your living room—virtually.
