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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has rejected recent calls for a blanket ban on online gambling in the country, instead signalling its commitment to enhanced regulatory oversight and technology-driven enforcement.
Speaking in a televised interview with One News, PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco said a prohibition-based approach would be ineffective and could potentially push the industry underground. Tengco maintained that properly regulated operations allow for better consumer protection and enable the government to direct gaming revenues toward critical social initiatives.
Online Gaming Generates PHP 50 Billion in 2024
Tengco revealed that online gaming activities generated approximately PHP 50 billion (US$855 million) in revenue in 2024. Fifty percent of that amount was allocated to social services, including healthcare funding, youth sports development, and anti-drug campaigns. These figures underline the sector’s contribution to the national economy and the potential consequences of over-regulation.
According to PAGCOR, maintaining and strengthening oversight is a more balanced solution than pursuing a total shutdown of online gambling platforms.
AI-Powered Player Protection Systems in Development
In a bid to address player vulnerability and prevent excessive losses, PAGCOR is exploring the use of artificial intelligence technologies to monitor user behaviour. The system would flag accounts where players exhibit unusual or high-risk patterns, including excessive losses or compulsive spending.
“If a player is losing excessively or spending unusually, their account may be flagged or suspended,” Tengco stated.
AI tools will also assist in real-time age verification, helping to prevent access by underage users. These initiatives are part of a broader framework to promote responsible gambling and reduce the risk of addiction.
New Advertising Rules to Take Effect
Tengco confirmed that PAGCOR will sign a formal agreement with the Ad Standards Council on 16 July to implement new rules governing gambling advertising across multiple platforms. The measures will restrict advertising during primetime TV hours (5:30pm to 8:30pm) and extend regulatory coverage to billboards, online video, and social media promotions.
This move aligns with recent concerns over youth exposure to gambling content, particularly through mobile devices and influencer-driven marketing.
24-Hour Helpline to Support Affected Individuals
In a further step to combat gambling-related harm, PAGCOR has announced the rollout of a dedicated 24/7 counselling hotline for individuals affected by problem gambling. The service will offer professional support, referrals, and crisis response, helping to build a more robust player protection ecosystem in the Philippines.
The agency is also working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to investigate and address complaints about pre-installed gambling apps and digital ads targeting underage audiences.
Financial and Regulatory Collaboration Expands
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Philippine central bank) has confirmed that it is preparing guidance requiring banks and e-wallet providers to adopt enhanced due diligence and fraud detection mechanisms for transactions linked to online gambling. This directive will add another layer of systemic control and is intended to reduce financial abuse and mitigate addiction-related losses.
Meanwhile, the Department of Finance is drafting a new taxation framework for online gambling, with further details expected in the coming weeks. The revised structure aims to streamline tax collection and reinforce transparency across the sector.
Source: Gambling Insider
