Cops to close down illegal jai alai betting joints

MANILA, Philippines – Off fronton betting stations for jai alai in some parts of Luzon, are now the target of law enforcers after the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently pronounced them as illegal.

The betting stations for this popular ‘game of a thousand thrills’, with Basque origins, can now be closed down by local police in some provinces in Luzon, on the strength of a joint memorandum signed by both the DoJ and DILG, that declares them ‘being contrary to law.’

“The PNP and other law enforcement agencies of the government are directed to proceed with the search and seizure of off fronton betting stations outside of Meridien’s Cagayan Freeport fronton enclosure, as well as effect the arrest and prosecution of operators and maintainers of off fronton betting and gaming stations, whether or not they are utilizing totalizators or other devices and systems,” the memorandum stated.

De Lima explained that Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation (MVGC), or Meridien,was given a franchise by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) to operate only within the zone’s premises.

Despite decisions from the Aparri Regional Trial Courts and the Court of Appeals, De Lima said betting stations outside the zone are banned because these stations can operate outside the zone “only if allowed by law.”

De Lima said under Republic Act 954, the operation of betting stations outside the economic zone that gave it a franchise, is unauthorized and can be penalized.

MVGC’s operations have spread to some cities and towns in the provinces of Pangasinan, Isabela and Oriental Mindoro.

De Lima warned that those openly operating off fronton betting stations will be arrested even without a warrant.

The joint memorandum was issued following reports that numbers game activities are on the rise in many Luzon provinces.