BIR Seals 297 Unregistered Betting Devices at Cockpit Arenas

The Bureau of Internal Revenue has sealed and confiscated 297 betting machines, computerized betting units, servers, and other devices that did not have the required Permit to Use during simultaneous enforcement operations at 11 cockpit arenas on August 8.

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The operations were conducted in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation, according to a statement from the BIR. The agency said the equipment was not covered by the required permit and did not appear in BIR records, with action taken under existing rules.

Betting Equipment Under Review

The enforcement activity focused on machines and equipment used to record betting transactions at cockpit arenas. The BIR said operators are responsible for ensuring that these devices comply with its requirements and are properly registered.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said betting transactions must be recorded correctly and that the machines used for this purpose must also be registered with the agency. He said the BIR would continue checking cockpit operations nationwide and act when violations were found.

The agency’s action covers several types of equipment, including betting machines, computerized betting units, and servers. These devices were sealed or confiscated, depending on the circumstances and the applicable rules.

Operators Begin Registration Process

Following the operations, cockpit operators began registering machines that had not previously been recorded with the BIR. They also started settling the corresponding penalties and taxes.

The registration and payment process forms part of the requirements for the equipment to be unsealed or released. The BIR did not provide details on the number of machines involved in the subsequent registration process or the amounts paid by operators.

The agency is also validating machine readings and transaction records. The review is intended to establish whether additional taxes are due from the transactions recorded by the equipment.

NBI Supports Enforcement Action

The simultaneous operations were carried out in coordination with the NBI. The work between the 2 agencies formed part of the BIR’s enforcement action across the 11 cockpit arenas.

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The BIR’s inspection involved betting equipment and other devices used in cockpit operations. Machines and records are being checked against the agency’s registration and tax requirements as part of the enforcement process.

The action follows the BIR’s reminder that equipment used to record betting transactions must be properly registered. Operators seeking the unsealing or release of affected devices must register the machines and settle the applicable penalties and taxes.

Nationwide Checks Ordered

Mendoza said the enforcement operations would be expanded nationwide. He directed all Revenue Regions and Revenue District Offices to identify and verify operational cockpit arenas in their respective areas.

The instruction places operational cockpit arenas across the country under further review by BIR field offices. The offices will be responsible for identifying arenas in their areas and verifying their operations.

The nationwide checks will also allow the BIR to examine whether betting machines and related equipment meet the agency’s requirements. Machine readings and transaction records will remain part of the review, where the agency needs to determine if additional taxes are payable.

BIR Continues Cockpit Monitoring

The BIR’s latest action combines equipment enforcement with registration and tax validation. Operators affected by the inspections have begun addressing unregistered machines, while the agency continues reviewing the related records.

Further enforcement operations are expected as Revenue Regions and Revenue District Offices carry out the nationwide identification and verification of operational cockpit arenas.

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Source: Philippine News Agency