The gaming regulator for the Philippines has reportedly granted local retail sportsbook operator MegaSportsWorld permission to begin offering its services to domestic punters online.

According to a report from Inside Asian Gaming, the move from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCor) comes after Manila’s four giant land-based integrated casino resorts were last year allowed to begin accepting online bets so as to help mitigate coronavirus-related downturns in their businesses. The source detailed that this preceding Philippine Inland Gaming Operator (PIGO) scheme means that these establishments can now offer a wide selection of iGaming entertainment including video slots and live-dealer games to aficionados in the Philippines that have first registered.

Established entity:

MegaSportsWorld reportedly already ran land-based sportsbooks within the giant Resorts World Manila property as well as Clark Freeport Zone’s Winford Hotel and Casino enterprise and recently opened a new flagship sportsbetting operation inside the five-star City of Dreams Manila venue. The operator, which is moreover licensed to offer its services to local punters via telephone, was purportedly inaugurated some twelve years ago and detailed that the coming move online will enable it to more effectively counter competition from the many illicit domains that have recently sprung up to take advantage of rising customer demand.

Calculated comeback:

Jeff Mann serves as the Managing Director for MegaSportsWorld and he reportedly disclosed that his company is currently responsible for approximately 70 land-based sportsbooks spread across the Philippines. The boss moreover declared that PAGCor’s decision to allow his company to premiere online comes as it initiates a ‘build back mode’ plan to recover from the adverse impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Reportedly read a statement from Mann…

“We are delighted with this initiative by PAGCor. Like everyone else we have taken a major knock to our business during the past 16 months due to various coronavirus-related issues including extensive community lockdowns and restrictions but we are now in ‘build back mode’ with aggressive investment and a five-year expansion plan in place. This online offering comes just at the right time and compliments our leadership position in the market.”

Basketball bonanza:

Inside Asian Gaming reported that the online move for MegaSportsWorld comes in advance of the planned mid-October start of action from the latest edition of the United States’ National Basketball Association (NBA), which is very popular amongst the population of the Philippines. Mann purportedly divulged that this means domestic punters will have the ability to place a variety of safe and legal wagers from the comfort of their own homes.

Mann reportedly pronounced…

“Our only competitors right now are the illegals who have become especially aggressive during coronavirus. Now with MegaSportsWorld going online for the first time, it puts us on a level playing field with these cowboys. Our long-standing reputation in the market combined with what will be a trusted online offering can only take back lost market share from the illegals and help grow the market even further.”