The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) launched PAGCOR Guarantee, an innovative digital platform where players can check the legitimacy of online gambling operators. The web application is part of the government’s efforts to clamp down on illegal casinos targeting consumers in the Philippines.
Highlights of the Story
- PAGCOR Guarantee lists licensed iGaming operators, enabling players to verify the validity of gambling concessions.
- The regulator launched the service in response to growing complaints against unlicensed operators withholding payouts.
- PAGCOR emphasises the tool as part of a broader effort to rein in unlicensed online casinos targeting players from the Philippines.
A Comprehensive Tool for Validating Licensed Gambling Operators
PAGCOR Guarantee enables players to verify the authenticity of online gambling operators before signing up. The tool launched on Wednesday, June 18, and helps players verify whether a platform is properly licensed. The regulatory body confirms this move is part of a broader effort to crack down on illicit operators.
Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, said:
Our new platform will help players easily identify and verify whether a gambling site has the necessary licences to operate in the Philippines. By providing players with an accessible and convenient way to check a site’s credibility, we are empowering them to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers and fraudsters.
Players can visit the PAGCOR website to see a full list of gambling operators under the regulator’s jurisdiction. Tengco adds:
Illegal gambling sites not only put players at risk, but also erode trust in the regulator. They also drain public revenue and facilitate tax evasion. PAGCOR Guarantee is a critical component of our regulatory framework and is designed to protect both players and the industry.
Broader Strategy Against Problem Gambling
The regulatory body previously announced several steps to promote responsible gambling. Tengco had earlier called for industry-wide cooperation to weed out illegal operators and encourage responsible gambling practices. The regulator recently paused new licensing applications and began reviewing existing licensees following complaints of irregular business practices.
PAGCOR also plans to partner with rehabilitation centres and provide support and counselling for individuals suffering from problem gambling. The agency is carrying out public awareness drives and funding research and intervention programs. “Gambling is inherently risky. However, with the right safeguards and education, we can protect players’ well-being,” Tengco explained.
The government’s initiative comes in the wake of a growing number of complaints involving unlicensed gambling operators and illicit business practices. Tengco said the regulator received several complaints from players about operators refusing to release winning payouts. PAGCOR is therefore offering players a way to check the legitimacy of online gambling sites before signing up.