Latest news with #PAGCOR
GMA Network
15-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos to study calls on banning online gambling
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. will study the calls to ban online gambling, Malacañang said on Tuesday. During a press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked for reaction on the call of Senator Raffy Tulfo to totally ban online gambling. Castro said this matter should be dealt thoroughly as this will affect the Philippine economy and the residents as well. ''Ang mga pagpapasyang ganito po ay talagang pinag-aaralan kung ito ba'y makakaapekto sa ekonomiya, makaapekto sa mamamayan at hindi po tayo maaring magpadalos-dalos po dito,'' Castro said. (Decisions like this are really being studied to see if they will affect the economy, affect the people, and we cannot rush into this.) ''Dahil minsan po, kapag po mismo ang legal at license ng mga online gaming sites ang iyong iba-ban, mas dumadami ang mga illegal na online gaming sites at iyan po ay mas nakakaapekto sa ekonomiya, so pinag-aaralan po iyan ng Pangulo,'' she added. (Because sometimes, when you ban legal and licensed online gaming sites, the number of illegal online gaming sites increases and that has a greater impact on the economy, so the President is studying that.) Earlier, online gaming operators licensed with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) expressed opposition over proposals for a total ban on online gambling in the country. They warned that Filipinos might shift to unregulated sites on the black market. In a joint statement, the companies said they 'are standing united with the PAGCOR and 'forward-thinking' lawmakers to call for stronger regulation — not a total ban — to keep Filipino players safe and the country's economy thriving. At the House of Representatives, lawmakers including Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez and Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon are pushing for stricter regulations instead of a total ban. Meanwhile, Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill 1351, seeking to limit access to online gambling or the Kontra e-Sugal Act. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
Arabian Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Casino Giants Renew Vow to Uphold Responsible Play
Three of the largest integrated resort‑casino operators in the Philippines have reiterated their commitment to legal compliance and responsible gaming, asserting that their online offerings remain firmly regulated under national laws. Their statement arrives amid heightened scrutiny of online gambling platforms by the national government, underlining the intensifying policy debate over the sector's societal impact. At the heart of the declaration are Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts and Okada Manila. In coordinated announcements issued on Sunday, the operators emphasised that their online platforms are fully licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and employ advanced technologies—such as geo‑fencing and IP filtering—to ensure access is restricted to users within authorised zones. Officials at the casinos highlighted rigorous Know‑Your‑Customer protocols, including mandatory verification within 72 hours and stringent age‑gating mechanisms. The measures also extend to anti‑money‑laundering compliance, transparent gaming systems, and annual audits. Responsible‑gaming tools now form integral parts of platforms, enabling player self‑exclusion, deposit caps and time limits. ADVERTISEMENT While presenting their case, the operators referenced ongoing concerns raised by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. regarding the welfare implications of online gambling, particularly its effects on vulnerable families. The Palace has reportedly weighed tighter regulation measures, including taxation reforms and curbs on influencer marketing for gambling. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco has voiced strong opposition to any outright ban, warning that it would drive users toward illegal offshore platforms—where no regulation, taxation or consumer protections exist. He pointed out that in 2024, PAGCOR collected PHP 50 billion in licensing and fees, predominantly from online operations. A ban, he cautioned, could eliminate a similar scale of government revenue, alongside risking thousands of jobs across the hospitality and service sectors. Despite the economic rationale, critics remain vocal. Interior Assistant Secretary Florencio Valeriano argued that 'no financial gain justifies the social toll of gambling, especially among the poor,' and cautioned that history has shown banning formal platforms only drives the industry underground. Legal and tech experts have urged a balanced approach. In a detailed memo, attorney and consultant Tonet Quiogue urged policymakers to direct enforcement efforts at illicit operators rather than penalising regulated platforms. She warned that a blanket prohibition would severely undermine the state's capacity to monitor and tax the sector effectively. As part of its regulatory response, PAGCOR recently mandated the removal of outdoor advertising for gambling services, including billboards and in‑transit ads on public vehicles. The directive, issued on 7 July, sets a compliance deadline of 15 August and requires an audit of existing ads by 16 July. Only responsible‑gaming campaigns approved by PAGCOR may remain visible thereafter. The casino operators reaffirmed that their promotional content and marketing materials undergo review by PAGCOR and the Advertising Standards Council, underscoring their broader compliance posture. In the wake of this joint public statement, Cracow Manila, the city of Manila's municipal regulators and local stakeholders, are expected to weigh in on the unfolding debate, as are lawmakers in Congress assessing policy interventions ranging from taxation adjustments to tighter influencer marketing controls.
GMA Network
12-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Solaire, Newport World Resorts, Okada say online gaming ops follow laws
Three of the country's largest integrated resort-casino operators on Saturday said their online gaming operations comply with laws and regulations amid proposals to either impose stricter rules or a total ban on online gambling. In a joint statement, Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts, and Okada Manila said, 'Our online gaming operations are a regulated and responsibly managed extension of our operations—designed to complement our primary offerings.' 'We prioritize ethical business practices and promote responsible gaming under the robust regulation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR),' the casino-resort operators said. Solaire, Newport World Resorts, and Okada emphasized that they hold all necessary licenses and accreditations from PAGCOR, 'meeting stringent legal requirements for gaming operators and system administrators.' For their online gambling operations, the casino-resort operators said they strictly enforce PAGCOR's geographic restrictions while employing advanced geo-fencing and IP-filtering technologies to prevent player registration and betting from outside the Philippines. 'Our platform adheres rigorously to AML regulations. We implement comprehensive Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures and player verification within 72 hours of registration, ensuring the integrity of our operations and safeguarding players,' they said. 'We actively promote responsible gaming through tools such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, and account restrictions. We strictly prohibit minors from accessing our platform through our stringent age-gating system and verification. We likewise offer resources for individuals seeking assistance with gambling-related issues,' they added. The casino-resort operators said all their gaming equipment and games undergo rigorous evaluation and receive approval from PAGCOR prior to deployment. They also use Certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fairness and transparency. 'Our promotional materials undergo thorough review and approval from PAGCOR and the Advertising Standards Council (ASC), ensuring ethical communication and social responsibility,' they said. 'Every employee holds a valid gaming employment license from PAGCOR and participates in annual compliance training programs,' they added. Moreover, the casino-resort operators said they fully comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) in protecting personal and financial information with stringent security protocols, including data encryption and access controls. 'Routine audits of our gaming systems, transaction records, and compliance procedures reinforce our accountability and integrity,' they said. 'All content and promotional materials are thoroughly reviewed internally to ensure alignment with regulatory standards, ethical guidelines, and responsible gaming principles.' Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday filed the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, seeking to mandate internet service providers, mobile network operators, and digital platforms to block access to gambling websites and remove related apps within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or PAGCOR. At the House of Representatives, lawmakers, including Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez and Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon, are pushing for stricter regulations instead of a total ban. Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill 1351, seeking to limit access to online gambling. Senators JV Ejercito and Sherwin Gatchalian also called for strict regulations. On Wednesday, several online gaming operators licensed with PAGCOR opposed proposals for a total ban, warning that Filipinos might shift to unregulated sites on the black market. 'Out of 195 countries worldwide, 177 choose to regulate online gaming. Only 18 nations, including North Korea, Iran, and Somalia, maintain total bans, and none have succeeded in eradicating underground gaming,' the statement said. The statement was signed by World Platinum Technologies Inc., AB Leisure Exponent Inc., Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc., Gamemaster Integrated Inc., Lucky Taya Gaming Corp., Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp., Igo Digital High Technology Inc., Megabet Corp., Gavin Ventures Inc., Gotech Entertainment Inc., Meta Interactive Software Solutions, Inc., Nextstage Entertainment Inc., Webzoid System Solutions Corporation, and Trojan Wells Entertainment Corp. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
09-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Online gaming ban? Licensed operators say users will shift to black market sites
Online gaming operators licensed with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday opposed proposals for a total ban on online gambling in the country, warning that Filipinos might shift to unregulated sites on the black market. In a joint statement, the companies said they 'are standing united with the PAGCOR and 'forward-thinking' lawmakers to call for stronger regulation—not a total ban—to keep Filipino players safe and the country's economy thriving.' Signatories to the statement are: World Platinum Technologies Inc AB Leisure Exponent Inc. Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc. Gamemaster Integrated Inc. Lucky Taya Gaming Corp. Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp. Igo Digital High Technology Inc. Megabet Corp. Gavin Ventures Inc. Gotech Entertainment Inc. Meta Interactive Software Solutions, Inc. Nextstage Entertainment Inc. Webzoid System Solutions Corporation Trojan Wells Entertainment Corp. The online gaming firms issued the statement amid proposals for a total ban on online gambling. Senator Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri on Monday filed his proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, seeking to mandate internet service providers, mobile network operators, and digital platforms to block access to gambling websites and remove related apps within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. At the House of Representatives, lawmakers including Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez and Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon are pushing for stricter regulations instead of a total ban. Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill 1351, seeking to limit access to online gambling or the Kontra e-Sugal Act. 'As Congress debates proposals to outlaw online gaming or restrict payment channels, the country's legal operators warn that total prohibition will not stop Filipinos from playing, but will only push tens of millions of players in the black market where unlicensed, unregulated operators thrive,' the licensed online gaming firms said. 'Prohibition does not erase online gaming. It only erases the safeguards that protect the Filipino people. The reality is clear: players will continue to play. The choice is whether they do so on secure, licensed platforms that follow regulations, or on black-market sites that answer to no one,' they said. The licensed online gaming firms emphasized that the Philippines already enforces some of the strictest protections in Asia, such as: the enforcement of strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and multi-factor authentication checking players against PAGCOR's National Database of Restricted Persons requiring that players are 21 or older providing self-exclusion tools and real-time monitoring for at-risk behavior following advertising restrictions that prohibit predatory claims contributing to national revenue, job creation, and technology development 'Every peso played on a licensed platform supports public services—schools, hospitals, roads—and helps keep Filipino families safe through regulation and oversight. On the flipside, every peso spent on an illegal site is money stolen from communities and funneled straight to illegal operators who ignore our laws,' the licensed online gaming firms said. The online gaming players cited 'global lessons,' which they said a total ban had backfired. 'Out of 195 countries worldwide, 177 choose to regulate online gaming. Only 18 nations, including North Korea, Iran, and Somalia, maintain total bans, and none have succeeded in eradicating underground gaming,' they said. 'In the United States, a 2006 federal ban simply drove American players to unregulated offshore sites. By 2013, the US moved to legalize online gaming again to regain control, generating over $71.9 billion in revenues and more than $15 billion in taxes. Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina have all seen the same: that a prohibition fuels crime; regulation reclaims it,' they added. The gaming firms also said that since regulated online gaming expanded in 2022, PAGCOR's license fee collections alone have soared from P12.3 billion to P54 billion in 2024, 'directly funding national projects that benefit every Filipino.' 'PAGCOR's total revenues hit P112 billion last year, with online gaming driving nearly half of that. Over 50,000 Filipinos now work in the sector, many in high-value roles in technology, cybersecurity, creative design, and artificial intelligence,' the companies said. 'The country's licensed operators warn that a reckless ban, or cutting off legitimate payment channels, would destroy this progress overnight, wiping out thousands of jobs and handing the entire market to illegal sites. In these unregulated spaces, players lose all protections: no age checks, no data security, no support for problem gambling, and no contribution to the national economy,' they added. Industry players further suggested that lawmakers should strengthen what already works such as 'tighter age and identity verification, clear limits for at-risk players, stronger anti-money laundering safeguards, faster site takedowns for illegal operators, and expanded public education on player rights and responsible play.' 'Let's be clear: the real enemy is not regulated gaming. It is the rise of illegal operators who put profits over Filipino welfare. Legal operators do not fear tougher rules, they welcome them. What they fear is surrendering our digital future to the black market,' they said. 'As ASEAN neighbors like Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam modernize their own gaming regulations to attract investment and protect players, the Philippines risks falling behind if fear-driven bans dismantle an industry that has proven it can grow jobs, strengthen technology, and raise billions in revenue under proper oversight. Regulators are urged: don't hand this industry to criminals. Keep it legal, keep it safe, and keep it proudly Filipino,' they added. — BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
08-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
P50B license fees collected from 70 legal online gambling platforms in 2024 –PAGCOR
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation was able to gather P50 billion in license fees from up to 70 legal online gambling platforms in 2024. In a Balitanghali interview on Tuesday, PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said that 50% of the fees were immediately remitted to the National Treasury. The remainder of the fees were used to subsidize other agencies such as PhilHealth, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Dangerous Drugs Board. 'Ang na-contribute po ng online gaming alone sa PhilHealth ay mayroon pong kulang P6.5 billion. So kung ating titignan, sa 30,000 average, can you imagine ilang milyon 'yung ating natulungan sa pamamagitan ng online gaming sa pasyente ng PhilHealth?' said Tengco. (Online gaming alone has contributed almost P6.5 billion to PhilHealth. If you can see, out of the 30,000 average, can you imagine how many million more PhilHealth patients can we help through online gaming?) Tengco said there were hundreds of illegal online gambling platforms operating from outside the country and targeting Filipinos, which was destroying the online gaming industry. 'Ang masakit nito, they are operating from outside the Philippines. Ang tinatarget nila ay mga Filipino customers… Ang masakit po, 'yan ang mga kumpanyang di nakapagreregulate nang tama,' he said. (What is painful here is that they are are operating from outside the Philippines. They are targeting Filipino customers… What hurts is that these companies are the ones who are unable to regulate properly.) 'Sa PAGCOR, pagka ikaw ay may license, dapat dumaan ka sa isang masusing pagtetest ng iyong mga games para nang sa ganoon ay makitang patas ang palaro. Ikaw ay kailangan magbayad sa nanalo, at ikaw ay dapat magbalik ng deposito ng player mo anong oras man hingin ito ng player sa'yo,' he added. (Under PAGCOR, if you have a license, you must undergo a strict testing of your games to show that you are playing fair. You need to pay the winners, and you need to return the player's deposits whenever the player asks it from you.) There are currently proposals from lawmakers to enforce restrictions or a total ban on online gambling platforms. Proposed regulations include restrictions and further policies on age verification protocols, advertising, and player protection, among others. 'Online gambling is accessible anytime, anywhere and often anonymously, making it particularly addictive and harmful to minors, persons who may be vulnerable to the lure of gaining easy money, and those desperate to make ends meet. Online gambling thus poses unique and costly risks, not only for those who gamble but also their families, communities, and Philippine society,' Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla said on the exploratory note of House Bill 1351 or the Kontra e-Sugal Act. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/AOL, GMA Integrated News
