With the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) struggling for revenue, and local casinos struggling for revenue, this seemed to be inevitable. The regulator is considering a proposal to allow online gambling from the casinos.

Asia Gaming Brief confirmed the news, having received an email from PAGCOR. “During the lockdowns this year, proposals from operators of land-based properties to accept bets online from known patrons only were received by PAGCOR. Concerned departments are currently conducting studies related to the proposals,” it said.

Not many details are available beyond that, except that the offering is expected to be for confirmed clients in the Philippines only. A bigger announcement is expected in the near future.

This could be an important lifeline for the casinos. They were forced to shut down in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, and as of yet have only been allowed to reopen on a limited basis, at 30% capacity. That’s resulted in as much as a 96% loss in income for the City of Dreams Manila, and the other casinos can’t be doing any better.