Title
Quezon City Regulation of Electronic and Bingo Games
Law
Quezon City Ordinance No. Sp-2285, S-2014
Decision Date
May 5, 2014
Quezon City Ordinance No. SP-2285 regulates the operation of electronic games, bingo, and other games of chance, requiring special permits for operators and imposing strict distance, age, and operational guidelines to protect the welfare of families and communities.
A

Definitions

  • "Barangay" refers to any barangay duly organized per the Local Government Code.
  • "Bingo" involves pattern formation from random numbers on a 5x5 card.
  • "Charitable cause" pertains to non-profit fundraising for community benefit.
  • "Cockfighting (Sabong)" includes traditional cockfighting events.
  • "Committee" means the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Games and Amusement.
  • "Electronic games (e-Games)" are online casino terminals regulated by PAGCOR.
  • "Games of chance" involve staking value where outcome is determined by chance.
  • "Gaming establishment" denotes places operating these games.
  • "Institution of learning" and "Place of worship" refer to educational and religious venues, respectively.
  • "Special permit" is required to lawfully operate these gaming establishments.

Persons Covered

  • All natural or juridical persons operating e-Games, bingo, cockfights, and other games of chance within Quezon City must secure a special permit.
  • Carnival operators with prize values exceeding P30,000 are also covered.

Qualifications for Applicants

  • Natural persons must be Filipino citizens at least 21 years old.
  • Juridical persons must be Philippine-registered organizations preferably located in Quezon City.
  • Applicants for fixed-term permits need valid PAGCOR or PCSO authority.
  • Barangay Council applications are exclusive for short-term cockfighting permits.

Types of Special Permits

  • Short-term permits allow seasonal operation of bingo, cockfighting, and carnival games (1-3 days for bingo and cockfights; up to 14 days for carnivals).
  • Fixed-term permits allow regular operation for two years with renewal evaluation.

Documentary Requirements for Fixed-term Permits

  • Proof of identity or corporate registration.
  • Letter of No Objection from the Mayor’s Office.
  • Barangay resolution.
  • Project description, site map, business plan.
  • Lease contract.
  • PAGCOR Authority to Operate for e-Games operators.

Documentary Requirements for Short-term Permits

  • Similar identity and registration documents.
  • Barangay resolution or clearance.
  • Project description and site map.
  • For cockfighting, letter requesting authorization and barangay resolution.

Documentary Requirements for Renewal of Fixed-term Permits

  • Similar to initial fixed-term documentary documents plus tax clearance and previous permit.

Regulatory Requirements

  • Capitalization exemption: establishments with at least P200 million not subjected to certain regulations.
  • Location restrictions: no operation within 200 meters of places of worship or education or within 300 meters of similar gaming establishments.
  • Time restrictions: open no earlier than 11:00 AM.
  • No admission under 21 years old; posted notices required.
  • Advertising prohibited near worship or education venues.
  • No credit gaming allowed.
  • Complaints investigated by Committee on Games and Amusement.
  • Prohibition on transferring permits.
  • Dress code enforcement at entrances.

Application Timing

  • Fixed-term applications accepted anytime.
  • Short-term applications must be filed 45 days before the event.
  • Renewals filed 60 days prior to expiration.

Application Process for Short-term Permits

  • Submission with required documents.
  • Committee inquiry and report.
  • Council approval.
  • BPLO issuance of permit.
  • Barangay-sponsored cockfighting requires mayoral approval and committee referral.

Application Process for Fixed-term Permits

  • Submission to district councilor with documents.
  • Acted upon per internal council rules.

Grounds for Permit Disapproval or Revocation

  • Non-appearance at hearing without cause.
  • Falsification or misrepresentation.
  • Operation without a valid permit.
  • Violation of regulatory provisions.
  • Violation of Sections 14(c) and 15.1.

Barangay and Community-organized Bingo Games

  • Prizes up to P20,000 exempt from permit requirement.
  • Prizes exceeding P20,000 for charitable causes require compliance and submission of:
    • Barangay clearance or resolution.
    • Description of fundraising and beneficiaries.
    • Memorandum of Agreement.
    • Certified prize list.
  • Proceeds distribution: 70% to beneficiaries (community) or barangay general fund (barangay-organized).
  • Proof of proceeds usage to be submitted within 30 days post-event.

Barangay Sponsored Cockfighting Activities

  • Short-term permits limited to specific barangay patronal fiesta dates.
  • Strict conditions include location restrictions, age limits, and operational guidelines.
  • Proceeds go to barangay general fund.
  • Post-activity report required within three months detailing attendees, fights, funds raised, and fund utilization.
  • Barangay responsible for supervision, peace, security, sanitation, and accountability of the event.

Effects of Lack of Special Permit

  • No business permit issuance without special permit presentation.
  • Right to immediate closure of establishments operating without valid permits or beyond their authorized games.

Taxes, Fees and Charges

  • Gaming establishments must pay 3% gross sales tax plus all local taxes, fees, and charges under relevant Quezon City regulations.

Penalties

  • Short-term permit violations: fine P5,000 or one-year imprisonment, or both.
  • Fixed-term permit violations:
    • First offense: fine P5,000.
    • Second offense: 30-day suspension and fine P5,000.
    • Third offense: cancellation or revocation of permit.

Repealing Clause

  • Conflicts with previous ordinances, rules, or parts thereof are repealed, specifically Sections 12 and 14 of Ordinance No. SP No. 0463, S-1996.

Effectivity

  • Ordinance took immediate effect on enactment in March 2014 and approved in May 2014.

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