PAGCOR Rolls Out Three Part Plan Against Illegal Gambling

The fast growth of online gambling in the Philippines has created opportunities for both licensed businesses and illegal operators. At a recent gathering in Manila, PAGCOR highlighted that better education for players, staff, and the wider community is essential to keeping the industry safe.

Good to know

• PAGCOR is rolling out a three-part education plan focusing on players, operators, and the public.
• The rise of mobile use in the Philippines has fueled online gambling’s popularity.
• Officials want closer cooperation between regulators, law enforcement, NGOs, and operators.

Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Regulators’ Forum at Newport World Resorts, PAGCOR Vice President for Human Resource and Development Group Dr. Angelito Domingo explained how new technology is shaping the gaming landscape. He said it gives criminals room to operate while legitimate businesses face challenges.

“There are three forces – technology as the tool, the criminal divide as the motive, and social impact as the public outcry – that create a perfect storm which threatens the integrity of the legal gaming industry,” Domingo noted.

A Three-Part Education Framework

To address these pressures, PAGCOR is now pushing a gaming education framework built on three key areas: player education, operator training, and public outreach.

Domingo explained that many Filipinos discover the risks of gambling too late, often after financial damage has already been done. “Also, a lot of people are not aware of the financial implications when they engage in gambling. They only realize the impact of what they did when it’s already too late. They could have done better by being educated at the onset,” he said.

According to him, player education must focus on responsible gambling, highlighting both financial and psychological risks. PAGCOR has already started programs in this area.

For operators, the plan calls for mandatory certification to make sure frontline staff can recognize and respond to signs of problem gambling.

The final piece, public outreach, is aimed at unifying communication. Domingo stressed that collaboration with NGOs, financial regulators, law enforcement, and local communities is essential for effective messaging.

Online Gambling Growth in the Philippines

Domingo also pointed to technology as a major driver of the country’s fast-growing online gambling market. High smartphone use among Filipinos has made access to betting platforms easier than ever. That accessibility, however, has also opened doors for unlicensed operators.

PAGCOR believes that raising awareness through education will not only protect players but also help legitimate operators compete on fairer terms. The strategy relies heavily on cooperation between multiple stakeholders, with PAGCOR positioning itself at the center of coordination.

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