No provincial permit or franchise for jai-alai
LINGAYEN–Gov. Amado Espino Jr. has clarified that the provincial government did not issue any permit or franchise that has given way to the reported proliferation of online jai-alai betting stations in almost every town and city of Pangasinan.
Speaking to newsmen last week, Espino said the capitol did not give Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation, the alleged operator of jai-alai, blanket authority to to set up betting stations in the province.
“It must be them (mayors) to tell if the company they are giving business permit to is legal or not,” he said.
Police authorities have earlier conducted raid operations on some betting stations but the managers of these stations were able to present valid business permits issued by the town or city mayors.
The company, reportedly headed by Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang, also operates jai-alai at the Cagayan Economic Zone in Port Irene, Cagayan.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan earlier also issued a statement saying they have not enacted any ordinance or resolution for the establishment of jai-alai betting stations in Pangasinan.
The governor also stressed that the jai-alai betting stations must be stopped if these are proven to be operating illegally.
There is a pending court battle between Meridien and the government on the company’s franchise to operate jai-alai betting stations.
The Games and Amusement Board had cancelled the franchise it issued Meridien.
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