MANILA, Philippines – With the growing accessibility of online casinos, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) is reinforcing its role as both the regulatory authority for games of chance and a champion for responsible gaming practices.
Under the leadership of Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, the organization is implementing its Responsible Gaming Code of Practice (RGCP), a framework that has been operational since 2014. This initiative aims to balance gaming as a legitimate form of entertainment while ensuring the protection of public welfare.
Pillars of the RGCP
- Awareness Campaigns: Comprehensive education on problem gambling is provided through digital platforms, printed materials, and strategic signage, which includes exclusion options and help hotlines.
- Prohibited Persons Guidelines: Restrictions are in place for government officials, uniformed personnel, underage individuals, and others listed in the National Database of Restricted Persons.
- Exclusion Programs: Individuals and families can voluntarily apply for temporary or permanent bans from gaming sites, and licensees are empowered to bar individuals for specific offenses.
Recent Achievements
Recent data highlights the effectiveness of these initiatives. In the first quarter of 2025, Pagcor recorded 308 exclusion applications, marking a 316% increase from the previous year. Notably, 258 of these were self-exclusions, indicating a proactive approach among players to manage potential gambling issues.
Demographic insights reveal that the highest number of exclusion applications came from the 30 to 39 age group (46%) and the 21 to 29 age group (31%). The younger demographic showed an impressive 127% increase in self-exclusions compared to the previous year, reflecting the positive impact of enhanced digital awareness campaigns.
Importance of Collaboration
Tengco emphasized the need for collaboration across various sectors to effectively tackle problem gambling. Speaking at the 2nd International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Addiction, he stated, “Our goal is to understand, prevent, and reduce the threats posed by problem gambling.”
Pagcor has established partnerships with accredited treatment facilities, including Bridges of Hope, Life Change Recovery Center, and Milestone Health and Wellness Center, to provide comprehensive support services for individuals in need.
Commitment to Responsible Gaming
“While legalized gaming serves as a source of revenue, it can also lead to serious consequences if unchecked. Therefore, Pagcor is committed to implementing policies that safeguard our customers and the public.”
Pagcor’s robust regulatory framework includes automatic bans for individuals under 21, students, and active-duty government employees. A computerized database of restricted persons is accessible to all Pagcor-operated properties, ensuring consistent enforcement.
To further enhance its responsible gaming efforts, Pagcor has appointed a dedicated Responsible Gaming Consultant who will oversee program reviews and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders.
“Our commitment to responsible gaming is evolving,” Tengco affirmed. “We believe that while gaming carries inherent risks, these can be mitigated through appropriate safeguards.”
He also stressed the importance of a collective approach: “This is not a challenge that any one sector can solve in isolation. We need the support of NGOs and other sectors to adopt a whole-of-society approach to prevent gaming addiction.”
Pagcor remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote responsible gaming and reduce public risks associated with gambling. “You can count on us as partners in drafting new policies and advocacy efforts aimed at furthering responsible gaming,” Tengco concluded.
