Pagcor intervenes in SunCity casino takeover

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has stepped into the fray between SunCity and Success Vine over the former’s unlicenced activity at Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Casino junket operator SunCity Group has drawn the ire of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) after its unauthorised takeover of a small casino at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

According to reports in local media, Success Vine Holdings obtained a Pagcor licence to conduct junket operations in a three year deal which began in August 2014.

However, the SunCity group appears to have taken over the small casino’s operations without the regulator’s consent. By law, Pagcor licences, cannot be transferred to another party without prior permission from the regulator.

It is understood that the gaming regulator became aware of the takeover following a launch party a few weeks ago, which was attended by several lower level Pagcor functionaries.

In response, the corporation’s chair Andrea Domingo has sent a letter to Success Vine, cautioning the operator that it could lose its licence as a result of the SunCity deal.

“SunCity is not licensed by Pagcor to conduct junket operations at Sofitel Philippine Plaza,” Domingo said. “In view thereof, we demand a written explanation why Success Vine allowed SunCity to conduct blessing and soft opening ceremonies last week.

“Such act may be considered a ground for suspension or termination by Pagcor pursuant to the agreement.”

The Sofitel facility was “immediately shut down” several days after its soft launch.