MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) on Sunday, March 15, suspended all gaming operations in the country amid the spread of the Novel Corona VIrus.

The suspension applies to all land-based casinos, electronic games, bingo, sports betting, poker and slot machines, and other activities regulated by Pagcor in Metro Manila.

The Community Quarantine issued by the government for a month will make the Games stay suspended while in effect.

Hotels where the casinos and gaming facilities are housed may also continue to accommodate guests, but are discouraged from hosting large events. Restaurants and food outlets in the gaming areas may remain open.

As brick-and-mortar casinos close for the virus, Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) will remain operational, but with only a minimal number of workers to be allowed in their workplaces.

“The rest of POGO workers will be restricted to their respective living quarters where they will observe social distancing and quarantine protocols,” Pagcor said.

As of writing, there are 187 coronavirus cases in the Philippines, the majority of which are in Manila. Four people have already recovered from the virus, while 12 have died. Globally, there are more than 175,000 cases, with over 7,000 deaths across 145 countries.