Law Summary

Introduction

Presidential Decree No. 810, issued on October 16, 1975, grants the Philippine Jai-Alai and Amusement Corporation a franchise to operate, construct, and maintain a fronton for Basque pelota and similar games in the Greater Manila Area. This decree seeks to enhance the sport and generate revenue for government projects.

Section 1: Franchise Grant

• Legal Principle: The decree grants the Philippine Jai-Alai and Amusement Corporation a 25-year franchise to operate Basque pelota games, extendable for another 25 years without requiring a new franchise.
• Key Definitions:
  • Grantee: The Philippine Jai-Alai and Amusement Corporation.
  • Basque pelota: Includes games such as pala, raqueta, cestapunta, remonte, and mano.
• Important Requirements:
  • Establishment of a fronton within the Greater Manila Area.
  • Conduct of games under the supervision of the Games and Amusements Board (Board).
• Timeframes: The franchise lasts for 25 years from approval, with a possible extension of another 25 years.
• Consequences: Violation of terms could lead to penalties as outlined in subsequent sections.

Section 2: Betting Regulations

• Legal Principle: The grantee is authorized to take and arrange bets both within and outside the fronton, subject to Board supervision.
• Key Definitions:
  • Totalizator: A system for betting on games.
• Important Requirements:
  • Only the grantee and authorized agents may take bets.
  • External betting must occur in licensed locations.
• Penalties:
  • Violations can result in a fine of up to 2,000 pesos or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
  • Corporate liability falls on responsible officials.

Section 3: Operational Standards

• Legal Principle: The grantee must provide modern facilities and technologies for betting and game operations.
• Important Requirements:
  • Installation of devices such as electric totalizators and sound systems within three years from the Act's approval.
  • Supervision by Board auditors/inspectors.

Section 4: Distribution of Wager Fund

• Legal Principle: The total wager fund is to be allocated in specified proportions.
• Important Requirements:
  • 85% of the fund is for dividends to winning bettors.
  • 11.5% goes to the grantee as commission.
  • 3.5% is allocated to special projects directed by the President.
• Consequences: The fraction of breakage from winning tickets is also designated for special projects.

Section 5: Game Schedule

• Legal Principle: The grantee is allowed to hold games on specific days.
• Important Requirements:
  • Games may be held every day except Sundays and official holidays.

Section 6: Incorporation of Existing Laws

• Legal Principle: Existing laws, particularly Commonwealth Act No. 485, are incorporated, but this decree takes precedence over conflicting provisions.

Section 7: Transfer Restrictions

• Legal Principle: The franchise cannot be leased, transferred, or assigned without the President's approval.

Section 8: Use of Government Property

• Legal Principle: The grantee is authorized to use existing government facilities for the fronton.

Section 9: Effectivity

• Legal Principle: The Act takes effect upon approval.

Key Takeaways

• The Philippine Jai-Alai and Amusement Corporation is granted a 25-year franchise to operate Basque pelota games in Greater Manila, extendable for another 25 years.
• Strict regulations govern betting practices, with significant penalties for non-compliance.
• The franchise mandates the provision of modern facilities and technology for operations.
• A clear distribution framework for wager funds is established, benefitting both the grantee and government-directed projects.
• The franchise is subject to governmental oversight and cannot be transferred without appropriate approvals.