For centuries mahjong has been one of the most enjoyable pastimes and widespread table games of folks. People play it both for just entertainment and for money in the world. Since it is considered part of gambling it might be constrained in some countries but it is not the case for the Philippines unless it involves money and a kind of source of income for some. However, all other gambles are not permitted to play there with the sole exception of mahjong. Now, let’s have closer look at it.
The new law was legislated so as not to prevent it from being popularized as a gamble among people, meaning that fixing license fees are needed to play it based on the specific rules and regulations. City Ordinance No 125 was enacted on May 27 1952 by Councilor Generoso Jaca in the Philippines. Virtually after 3 years passed, president Macros introduced national law to penalize gambling. According to the law, it is considered illegal if people are not playing it for recreation or just for fun at home. This appears to be because policymakers wanted to prevent potential severe consequences of mahjong if it becomes totally gambling and played for just betting.
However, it also can be played not only for entertainment but also as a gamble provided that, the owner of the table has a license. Under no circumstances people are allowed to play and bet unless a license is obtained from the government. The license for per owned and operated table of Mahjong, about 60.00 pesos should be paid for a year. As mentioned above, the law is not applicable if the people are having mahjong for their private enjoyment at home without engaging in betting. There is also a time limit for playing it in public, from noon to midnight it is permitted to play except for holidays since you may have the whole day on such days.