Videos have emerged on social media detailing skirmishes inside the casino, as 50 people representing Tiger Resorts Asia (TRAL), PAGCOR and the Philippine National Police posed as casino employees and stormed the resort.
This development comes following PAGCOR’s release of a cease-and-desist order for Okada Manila’s current management (Okada and co).
However, since reclaiming the casino, Okada has been protected by a Status Quo Ante Order (SQAO) handed to him by the Philippines' Supreme Court. The SQAO states that he should be reinstated as CEO and Chairman of TRLEI.
Set to start today, the trial was adjourned after 11 of the 21 accused for their association with Chau did not present themselves at court
But PAGCOR has said that unless Okada and co can present “a valid authority” to back up statements made by the SQAO, it should not stand.
Its stance has been backed up by the secretary of the Philippines' Department of Justice.
Trial of ex-Suncity boss Alvin Chau adjourned until 19 September
The trial of Alvin Chau and his co-defendants has been adjourned until 19 September 2022.
Set to start today, the trial was adjourned after 11 of the 21 accused for their association with Chau did not present themselves at court.
Chau was the former boss of Macau-based casino junket Suncity Group, which is now near-obsolete following a change to Macau’s gaming laws and the exposure of Chau’s illegal actions.
Chau’s trial is being conducted by a three-judge panel, and the accused was spotted arriving under guard.
Philip Wong Pak Ling, the former financial head of Suncity, was one of those not to arrive. His lawyer claimed that his client is in the hospital, which is why he cannot attend.
Chau and his ex-colleagues were indicted for money laundering, fraud and illegal gambling offences.
PAGCOR has said that unless Okada and co can present “a valid authority” to back up statements made by the SQAO, it should not stand
Paradise Co casino revenue up 89% sequentially
Paradise Co has reported a month-on-month revenue rise of 89% for August, generating KRW50.76bn (US$37.3m).
Table game sales made KRW48.10bn, a 98% rise from July, while machine game sales saw an 8% improvement month-on-month.
The South Korean operator has seen its revenue rise as a result of Covid-19 measures being lifted over the past few months.
This includes a relaxation of entry requirements into the country, allowing more travellers to enter without facing the prospect of quarantine.
Paradise Co has foreign-player-only casinos across South Korea, including Paradise City in Incheon, Paradise Jeju on Jeju Island and Walkerhill in Seoul.
Elsewhere this week...
Macau August GGR down 51%
Macau has reported gross gaming revenue (GGR) of MOP$2.18bn (US$270m) for August 2022, a 51% decline from the prior-year period, when GGR was MOP$4.44bn.
Macau to allow entry from 41 countries beginning 1 September 2022
The Macau Government has announced that foreign visitors from 41 countries will be allowed to enter Macau once again. These countries include Australia, Japan, Korea and the US.
PAGCOR wants more time
The new Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, Alejandro Tengco, says he hopes the operator-come-regulator is given time to study a proposal for its operator functions and regulatory duties to be split.