BIR shuts down online betting firm’s operations

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday night temporarily shut down the online betting operations of Manila Cockers Club Inc. due to P1.3 billion in unpaid taxes.

Citing a report by BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the bureau’s “Oplan Kandado” operation had simultaneously sealed a total of 51 online betting machines of 19 Manila Cockers Club outlets in Quezon City.

At least 20 BIR teams conducted the raid led by BIR Deputy Commissioner Marissa Cabreros.

“We counted more than 100 outlets spread all over, so we will gradually visit them with available manpower,” Dulay told Dominguez.

On its website, Manila Cockers Club said it was a wholly owned subsidiary of Manila Jockey Club Inc., among the oldest horse-racing clubs in Asia-Pacific.

Manila Cockers Club said its license to operate had been granted by the local government of Carmona in Cavite province, where Manila Jockey Club’s headquarters is also located.