Rows erupt in Philippines over online casinos

Local and national authorities are in conflict over who has the right to issue online gaming licences.

The Zamboanga City Soecial Economic Zone (ZSEZ) and Freeport Authority and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corportation (PAGCor) are at loggerheads.

ZSEZ offers incentives to investors and businesses as it is managed as an independent customs territory.

Christopher Arnuco, who is the Presidential Assistant on Trade said that it was legal to issue licences to gaming operators - opinion taken from Philippines Justice Secretary, Raul Gonzalez. Licences have already been issued to the Philippine E - Gaming Jurisdiction Inc. They control gaming activities in the Zone.

PAGCor are insisting that PEJl's activities are illegal and ordered for ZSEZ to halt their activities, an order which has been ignored.

Looks set to be a messy row.