President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. named businessman Alejandro “Al” Tengco, a native of Malolos and proud Bulakenyo, as chairperson and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) last August 2022. PAGCOR operates legal gambling establishments nationwide, and Bulacan has two big casinos as of 2023.
Several PAGCOR eGames stations (PeGS) in Bulacan, like GameZone and InstaWin. They also sanction e-Bingo locations, any place approved by PAGCOR where e-bingo terminals are installed to conduct and operate e-bingo games.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is a 100 percent government-owned and controlled corporation under the Office of the President of the Philippines.
The Corporation was created during the Martial Law years by a Presidential Decree (PD1067-A) issued by then-President Ferdinand Marcos in response to calls for the Philippine Government to stop the growing proliferation of illegal casino operations in various parts of the country then. The law creating PAGCOR was later amended and consolidated under PD 1869, otherwise known as the PAGCOR Charter.
A casino is a facility that accommodates gambling activities, typically with games such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and other forms of gambling. Casinos are often located near or combined with hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions. Bulacan
Casinos earn money by offering games of chance in which the odds are in their favor. The house edge, or the percentage by which the casino expects to win over time, is built into the rules of the games. For example, in the game of roulette, the house edge comes from the fact that there are 37 or 38 pockets on the wheel, but a player can only win if their chosen number comes up, which gives the casino a higher chance of winning.
Casinos also earn revenue from other sources, such as food, drinks, and entertainment services.
The legality of casinos varies from country to country. In the Philippines, casinos are entirely legal and regulated by the government. In other places, casinos may be illegal or only allowed under certain circumstances, such as on cruise ships or in designated tourist areas.
It is important to note that the laws and regulations governing casinos can change frequently, so it is advisable to check the specific laws in your place.
It is important to note that the laws surrounding gambling can change frequently, so it is advisable to check the specific laws in your area before participating in any form of gambling activity. Additionally, online gambling may have different legal restrictions than in person, so it is essential to be aware of the laws and regulations governing online gambling in your jurisdiction.
Gambling can be addictive for some individuals. Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble, despite the negative consequences it may cause. Like other behavioral addictions, such as drug and alcohol addiction, gambling can seriously impact a person’s finances, relationships, and mental and physical health.
Individuals who struggle with a gambling addiction may have trouble controlling their impulses to gamble and may continue to do so even when it is causing them harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing problems related to gambling, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional.
I know a few close friends who got so profoundly addicted to gambling. They have lost a lot of money, affecting their relationships with friends, family, and co-workers.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, several strategies can help in the recovery process:
- Seek professional help: A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor, can provide support and guidance for individuals with gambling addiction. They can also help develop a personalized treatment plan and provide referrals to support groups or other resources.
- Avoid triggers: Identify the situations or environments that trigger the urge to gamble and try to avoid them. This may include staying away from specific locations or avoiding particular forms of gambling.
- Create a support network: Surround yourself with people who support your recovery and understand your struggles. Joining a support group for individuals with gambling addiction can also be helpful.
- Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones.
- Set realistic goals: Focus on setting achievable goals and developing new, positive habits to replace the urge to gamble.
- Use stress-management techniques: Manage stress through relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Limit access to funds: Make gambling more challenging by limiting access to funds or setting up self-imposed spending limits.
Remember, recovery from gambling addiction takes time and effort, but it is possible with the proper support and resources.
Big Casinos in Bulacan
The Greenery Casino – Baliwag
The Greenery Casino is located inside the Greenery Resorts Hotel and Casino in Vista Subdivision, Sabang, Baliuag. It is operated by Pagcor, which offers plenty of casino table games and slot machines.
The Greenery Resorts Hotel and Casino, or The Greenery, is an American-themed resort and events place in Baliwag, Bulacan. This resort features infinity pools, a lighthouse, a garden, pavilions, a floating gazebo, and more. It is an ideal place for weddings or pictorials, company outings, team building, or any special occasion. A great escape from the city’s summer heat, just one and a half hours away from the Metro.
Casino Filipino Oriental Pavilion – Guiguinto
Casino Filipino Oriental Pavilion is located in Tabang, Guiguinto. This is near NLEX Tabang Toll Plaza and right next to Puregold Tabang, Guiguinto. I often mistake this for a Chinese restaurant because of its facade, if not for its huge Oriental PAGCOR CLUB signage.
A good friend told me that he had won a Million pesos in a casino table game a few years ago, and it still stands as the most significant pot money ever won. The casino offers a decent number of slot machines and casino table games. They also have good food and beverages for their players.
If you grew up in Bulacan from the ’70s to the ’90s, this place was the site of Cafe Valenzuela. I have fond memories of this, where we dined as a family and ordered pancit, siopao, and fried chicken. Older folks told me this nostalgic restaurant was a popular event place with a bowling alley and swimming pool.
Cafe Valenzuela was a popular stopover back then for travelers going north of the Philippines. During that era, people are still traveling via the Manila Diversion Road, the original stretch of the expressway, from Balintawak Interchange in Quezon City up to the Guiguinto Exit in Bulacan. It then connects it to the Pan-Philippine Highway, also known as the Maharlika Highway.
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