Latest news with #PhilippineAmusementandGamingCorp
The Star
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Philippines orders removal of gambling ads amid addiction fears
Giant billboard ads like this one on a stretch of Edsa in Quezon City must be taken down by Aug 15, according to an order from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, in its first major move in response to growing concerns over the rise of online gambling. - PDI MANILA: The Philippines' gaming regulator has ordered the immediate dismantling of all gambling billboards and advertisements across the country amid worries over a growing betting addiction in the South-East Asian nation. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation or Pagcor has given licencees, suppliers and gaming venue operators until Aug. 15 to remove ad materials, including those displayed on public transport vehicles, according to a statement from the agency on Friday. "Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth,' Pagcor chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco said. While the gaming agency is mandated to generate state revenue, "we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction,' he said. The move comes as the gaming industry is under increasing scrutiny following an unprecedented boom in online gambling that critics fear could lead to social problems. In Thailand, the government withdrew a bill to legalise casinos following mounting public opposition. Revenue from online gaming surpassed those from integrated resort casinos this year for the first time in the Philippines, Asia's second-largest gambling hub after Macau. Calls have mounted in Congress to curb online gambling with one lawmaker seeking tighter regulation of the sector. The central bank is also considering limits to gaming access via digital platforms. - Bloomberg
The Star
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Philippine public warned against illegal offshore gaming sites
MANILA: The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) on Sunday (June 29) warned the public against illegal offshore gaming websites that claim to be licensed or accredited by the agency. Pagcor said the fake offshore gaming websites even use its logo and display fabricated licence certificates. It identified some of the illegal sites as OG7777 online gaming ( KRATOSBET LTD ( and Another fraudulent site, has been found to be operating from the United Kingdom. In a statement, Pagcor chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco said, 'these platforms are not authorised to operate under any Pagcor-issued licence. We want to make it very clear that the use of Pagcor's name and logo by these sites is a blatant disrespect to the agency and poses a threat to the public.' 'We urge everyone to remain vigilant and to always verify the legitimacy of any gaming site before engaging in it,' he said. Tengco reiterated that effective Dec. 31, 2024, all Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country are banned based on an order from President Marcos. 'Any entity claiming to operate under a Pagcor license for offshore gaming is clearly violating the law and should be reported immediately,' the Pagcor official said. For a list of licensed gaming operators and to stay informed about legitimate gaming activities, the public can visit Pagcor's official website at The nationwide Pogo ban was announced by Marcos during his State of the Nation Address in July 2024. In November, he issued Executive Order (EO) No. 74, which imposed an immediate ban on offshore and internet gaming in the country. Cited in his EO was a study by the Department of Finance, which noted that Pogo activities significantly outweigh their economic and social benefits because of the risks they pose, including higher crime rates. — Philippine Daily Inquirer/PNA
