PAGCOR duty-bound to follow laws on online gambling
'It is the prerogative of our lawmakers to propose laws which they think will be beneficial to the public,' PAGCOR said in a statement.
'PAGCOR is duty-bound to follow any and all relevant regulations once they are passed by Congress and signed into law by the President,' the state-run gaming firm added.
The gaming industry regulator issued the statement after several lawmakers filed bills banning the promotion of online gambling and its linkage to electronic wallets (e-wallets).
In particular, Bukidnon Reps. Keith Flores, Jose Alba, Audrey Zubiri, Laarni Roque and Arlyn Ayon made the proposal under their House Bill 721 or the Anti-Online Gambling Promotions in E-Wallet Act.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also filed a bill that would prohibit the use of e-wallet for online gambling, increase the online gambling age restriction from 18 to 21, as well put a minimum bet of P10,000 and top-up of P5,000.
'In the meantime, rest assured that PAGCOR remains fully committed to intensifying its efforts in the ongoing battle against the proliferation of illegal online gaming activities, together with like-minded agencies and organizations and with the support of all gaming industry stakeholders,' the gaming industry regulator said.
The country's gaming industry saw its total revenues grow to P104.12 billion in the first quarter of 2025, up 27.44% year-on-year, driven for the first time by the growing popularity of electronic games among Filipinos.
PAGCOR reported earlier that e-games and e-bingo became the gaming industry's top revenue driver for the first time, accounting for P51.39 billion or 49.36% of the total; outpacing licensed casinos which contributed P49.28 billion or 47.32%. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
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