A bill to privatise Pagcor and instead create a new body with only regulatory powers has been filed in the Philippine Senate by pro-administration Senator Ralph Recto. The bill also proposes a significant tax hike – casinos would be obliged to pay 5 percent in gross revenue tax plus an additional 50 percent tax on aggregate gross earnings.
Pagcor officials say the company currently only charges from 2 to 15 percent on gross gaming revenue for non-high roller gamers; 15 percent on high rollers and junket tables; and 25 percent on slot machines.