Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR has told Inside Asian Gaming that it has no direct relationship with the junket operations of troubled Dowinn Group but hopes the company will “settle their business concerns” soon.
As reported by IAG, there are concerns that Dowinn – a leading Philippine-based casino and junket operator targeting the Korean market – has collapsed with sources claiming that agents have been unable to withdraw funds and that some Dowinn managers have fled overseas.
Dowinn released a statement shortly afterwards describing the situation as an “emergency temporary cease of operation” to “protect the valuable interests of our customers and shareholders” and promising it will reopen all branches next Monday 24 June.
In response to IAG’s inquiries, PAGCOR confirmed that it has been kept abreast of these events by Dowinn Group, specifically of the “temporary cessation of the junket operations of GoldwinnPhil. Inc in Dowinn Casino Heritage ‘for the protection of their players and employees’.”
It also confirmed that Dowinn has informed it of plans to resume operations on Monday.
However, the regulator added it has “no direct relationship with Dowinn” in regard to its junket operations because such junket agreements are agreed directly between Dowinn and PAGCOR licensees.
Dowinn had before this week’s closure operated VIP rooms in Okada Manila, Solaire Resort Entertainment City and City of Dreams Manila in Manila’s Entertainment City, and at D’Heights Resort and Casino and Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark.
“While we cannot comment further on this since Dowinn has also released a statement, we hope that they will be able to settle their business concerns the soonest,” PAGCOR said.