The Philippines has been hit hard by the coronavirus. Up until now the number is still steadily rising compared to its neighboring countries.
Quarantine measures are still in place and that begs the question. “Will poker survive in the Philippines?”
The situation
The Philippines now has 378,933 confirmed COVID-19 cases after the Department of Health reported 2,006 cases on Friday, October 30.
Various lockdown measures have been implemented and the recent hard lockdown has made a bad impact on its image.
Currently, lockdown measures have been eased to help the economy. But the question is “is it enough?”
You have on one side people who wish to stop the spread of the disease, while on the other side those that are pushing to revive the economy.
Many businesses have close down and base on the report.
Gaming
There are currently 33 POGOs, 111 service providers, and four Special Class BPOs (business process outsourcing) currently approved to resume operations by PAGCOR from the 60 licensed POGOs and more than 200 service providers nationwide.
According to PAGCOR’s latest income statement, published on its website late Tuesday, profit for the period amounted to Php137.2 million (US$2.8 million) – well down on the Php4.97 billion (US$97.5 million) accrued in 2019.
Even with the ease of the lockdown measures. It will be difficult to gain it all back.
Poker
Live poker is one of the biggest casualties. Casinos even before the pandemic have never been very supportive of the game.
Only 2 poker rooms operate in the big casinos in Manila. Only the poker room at the Resort World opened during May until a hard lockdown was implemented on Manila once again.
Poker houses have not resumed operations. Rumors have it that the regulatory body has imposed a harsh condition for poker houses to operate. Pay the months that they were not operating with no guarantee of when they can re-open.
Underground poker rooms have thrived. but the government is slowly moving to crack them down.
Online poker
Online Poker did boom. Yes, we said. “did.”
During the initial lockdown, A lot of people believe it would be temporary, and things will go back to normal.
Big tournaments shifted to online. WSOP was held online under GG Poker. However, to play a VPN was needed. Pokerstars launch a series of big tournaments. Local club owners started having big tournaments. that too slowed down as well.
While people were hoping the lockdowns would end soon. Weeks turn into months, companies closing down and people losing jobs. What became leisure during the lockdown has slowly become an expense to some players.
Fast forward to today. The action has slowed down. Currently, most Facebook groups and pages have more agents than players.
Will poker ever grow again?
Hope
Filipinos are resilient. They would always rise. Although, we may not know when Live poker will come back to Manila. There are signs it could happen soon.
Poker rooms in Pampanga, which is around a 4-hour drive from Manila, has resumed operations. It is now extending its operating hour’s thanks to the relaxing of quarantine measures.
There is a new poker site that has a secured a partnership with a European group. Their player base would increase significantly which could help them create big promotions aim to help small players.
PH players need them right now.
New heroes will rise up to the challenge. New stars will rise and lead.
Yes, there are still people clinging to shortcuts to attract the market offering big rake backs.
But the market is changing. The future is changing.
Whether you are an agent who wants to make a living recruiting poker players. or a player that wants to play with good and affordable opportunities.
Hope is coming soon.
Stay tuned.
