Responsible gambling, is it possible?

There’s something very distinct about casinos, whether they’re found in Macau’s Cotai strip, in our very own Entertainment City, or in the famed Las Vegas strip, the world’s most popular gambling boulevard.

Casinos, by careful design, make you forget real life. Inside the casinos, time stops and the world freezes. There are no windows to tell whether dawn has broken or if the sun is already out; there are no clocks to tell the time; neither are there quiet corners that might allow one to stop and think for a moment.

There are only the clicking sound of coins,  bright lights, heaps of gaming chips and the comforting smile of Lady Luck. Casinos, indeed, have that certain allure — an irresistible sensation of suspended bliss.

 With its bright lights and bursts of colours, a casino is like a lover you cannot resist.

 But for unwitting gambling addicts, this vibrant atmosphere that is seemingly full of life, can be the very same place where they can lose everything they have in life — their money, work and family.

Gambling addiction is a serious problem everywhere, and it can happen to anyone — from dirty old men with young mistresses, young professionals, to women retirees.

Pathological gambling has been included in the list of mental health problems as early as 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association.

At the opening of the recent Asean Gaming Summit held at the posh Conrad Hotel in Manila, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) chair and CEO Andrea Domingo said the gaming regulator is stepping up efforts to fight the problem.

Trumpeting the steps being taken by Pagcor, Domingo assured they are in constant consultation with psychologists on how best to address the problem.

“We are also training our dealers to identify those addicted to gambling,” Domingo said.

Pagcor has come up with a video campaign promoting responsible gambling. In the ad, Pagcor reminds gaming enthusiasts to only gamble for fun, and not to make money. They should set aside a certain amount of money for gambling and never touch finances that should otherwise be allotted for other important matters such as food or education.

Domingo said Pagcor takes the problem seriously. It’s among the problems that make her job as Pagcor chief “her most difficult job.”

Being at the helm of Pagcor is much more difficult than being the commissioner of immigration, she said in jest.

“That was a dance in the park, even if I had to deal with alien syndicates, pedophiles and criminals. But (at Pagcor), it’s very complicated. It needs so much personal attention. You have to know the dealers and what they are doing. You have to know how the slot machines work — everything. It’s really a very difficult job,” said the former two-time Bureau of Immigration chief.

It’s bound to be even more complicated and difficult with the Philippine gaming industry steadily growing.

 And with the Duterte administration’s loose gaming regulations, the Philippines may see the Golden Age of Gambling. Local and foreign investors are now placing their bets on this regulated, but lucrative business.

Even taipan John Gokongwei has joined the fray, committing to pour in P18 billion for his very first casino venture which he will build in Cebu. Manny Villar is also making his foray into gaming, while Dennis Uy could already be planning his third casino project.

There’s no doubt gaming is helping the economy with gross gaming revenues expected to reach P186 billion this year from P172 billion in 2017. On top of that, the gaming sector is providing tens of thousands of new jobs and is supporting a host of related industries.

But the problem of gaming addiction is equally relevant and Pagcor must make sure it does not worsen along with the growth of the industry.

One way to do this is to make sure casino operators practice responsible gaming.

In the UK last month, gaming regulators slapped a fine of £6.2 million (roughly $8 million) on betting group William Hill for failing to stop gambling addiction despite obvious signs.

Perhaps, Pagcor can do this too in the Philippines and impose stricter penalties on operators who fail to protect gamblers.

I am sure that our no non-sense Pagcor chief ,who has taken on illegal aliens, can also punish erring casino operators should they fail to practice responsible gaming.

Solaire’s five star

Speaking of gaming, Enrique Razon’s integrated casino resort Solaire Resort & Casino recently celebrated its fifth anniversary with a sumptuous dinner for some of Manila’s well-heeled crowd, its valued guests and junket operators. The grand celebration at the high-ceilinged and glitzy grand ballroom, which was capped by a fireworks display outside the hotel, was a testament to Solaire’s world-class hospitality and service.

It was a fitting celebration especially after the luxury resort garnered the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Award for the second consecutive year.

Asked how much of a big deal the award was for Solaire, its president and COO Thomas Arasi, pointing to the five-star lapel pin on his dark suit jacket, said in jest that it’s exactly on the same spot when he wears his pajamas.

UP Shopping Center

Some of the shop owners at the burned downed UP Shopping Center have set up temporary stores in the old tennis court at back of the building while they try to find a better place.

The fruits and vegetable shops are back, too, not far from the tennis court. It’s a heartwarming sight, a reflection of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. It’s been less than a month since a fire ripped through the community mall.

Some of the stall owners are still very devastated, but they’re standing strong and smiling amidst the chaos. Let’s support them. Please drop by this “temporary SC” and buy something – anything. It would mean a lot.

Iris Gonzales’ e-mail address is [email protected]