2 franchisees propose to operate STL in Iloilo
Two franchisees of Small Town Lottery have expressed intent to operate in Iloilo province.
These are the Around D World Gaming Corp., and the Iloilo STL Gaming Corp., which has been operating in Iloilo City since 2005.
The Around D World Gaming Corp. has secured a franchise from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office after the May 2010 elections and is now waiting for the endorsement of the Iloilo provincial government particularly from Office of the Governor.
It has already secured an endorsement from the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter.
“We could not let two franchisees operate STL in the province. Let one operator who first secured a franchise to accomplish the requirements. However, if they fail, we will give them other a chance,” Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. told reporters.
The PCSO is requiring Around D World Gaming Corp. to seek endorsement from the mayor’s league and the governor’s office before they can fully operate.
Defensor said he will only endorse the franchise operator once they can send a letter to his office.
He also said that before he will approve its operation, he will first endorse the proposal to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and request them to conduct a public hearing.
Defensor said he believes that authorizing STL to operate in Iloilo will help eradicate “jueteng” and other forms of illegal number games in the province.
The STL has similarities to “jueteng,” but only has 1-37 numbers in every draw, unlike STL, which has 1-40 numbers.
The governor said “jueteng” and other illegal number games such as “first two ball” and “daily double” still exist because their operators offer much higher commission to bet collectors.
In Western Visayas, STL is allowed to operate only in Iloilo City under franchisee Iloilo STL Gaming Corp., and in Negros Occidental, except Bacolod City, under the Super Lucky Beagler Inc.
Both corporations are authorized to collect or solicit bets only within their approved area of jurisdiction, the PCSO said.*
