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PAGCOR is now offering the National Problem Gambling Helpline to assist with the rising problem of online gambling addiction among Filipinos. The hotline will be available 24/7, and its purpose is to provide callers with counseling help from experts directly.
Service Available Around-the-Clock
They can contact the help line on (02) 8248-9568, and will have an opportunity to talk with counselors 24 hours a day. According to PAGCOR, the helpline service is aimed not only at problem gamblers but also at their relatives who experience troubles because of gambling addictions.
According to Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR chairman, this project reflects the company’s attempt to make sure that gaming is productive, responsible, humane, and accountable. He added that while some individuals see gaming as something that gives pleasure to them, there are other individuals whose gaming experience results in various negative outcomes, such as financial, emotional, relationship, and social problems.
Partnership With SFO
The National Problem Gambling Helpline shall be established by PAGCOR in collaboration with the Seagulls Flock Organization Inc., an NGO that aims to support people dealing with substance abuse, as well as problem gambling. According to Tengco, experts such as psychologists, counselors, social workers, researchers, and advocates from the organization have helped many people overcome addictions and improve their lives.
Tengco further explains that what the group offers is both competence and compassion, as they believe people can recover, heal, and begin a new chapter of their lives. According to SFO Chairperson Teresita “Chit” Castillo, the helpline will focus on guidance, triage, and long-term support, following proper referral protocols for crisis situations. She said the partnership connects regulatory measures with clinical, evidence-based interventions such as counseling and referrals to treatment and rehabilitation centers.
Staff And Next Steps
So far, 12 para-counselors are handling three shifts every day. It should be noted that Castillo wishes there would be even more para-counselors joining the helpline soon to provide assistance to people addicted to gambling.
The setting up of this helpline comes against the backdrop of rising concern about gambling addiction among Filipinos, especially given that the government has faced criticism for being unable to handle this problem. This is because last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself mentioned gambling addiction as one problem that was already on the government’s radar.
Wider Debate On Online Gambling
Marcos did not give an update on the planned stakeholders’ conclave tasked with developing a comprehensive policy on online gambling. He also remained cautious about calls for an outright ban, despite pressure from several groups, including the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has described online gambling as a moral and social crisis and warned that it is the newest virus destroying individuals, families, and society. Tengco said online gambling generates more than P100 billion a year for the government and provides direct employment for about 32,000 people, along with thousands more in related businesses. He also blamed illegal online gambling operators for the chaos in the country, including the ability of minors to bet and become addicted to the games.
Source: Inquirer.net
