The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to strengthen data privacy protocols in the gaming sector. The partnership enables both organisations to ensure data protection and nurture a secure and reliable gambling ecosystem.
PAGCOR and NPC Collaborate to Ensure Data Privacy in Gaming: Highlights
- PAGCOR and NPC signed an MoU on October 20, agreeing to jointly raise data privacy awareness, promote a secure and trusted environment and bolster data security in the gaming industry.
- PAGCOR’s CEO and Chairperson, Alejandro Tengco, noted that the partnership reiterates the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding the personal data of consumers, employees, and stakeholders in the gaming industry.
- PAGCOR aims to establish a database of government officials and employees prohibited from participating in any form of gambling at casinos and other betting venues nationwide.
Safeguarding Private Data of Consumers, Employees and Licensees a Priority
According to a PAGCOR press release from October 21, the gambling regulator has signed an MoU with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to bolster data privacy in the Filipino gaming sector. Alejandro H. Tengco, CEO and Chairperson of PAGCOR and Attorney John Henry Naga, NPC Privacy Commissioner and Chairman, signed the agreement on October 20 at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City.
As per the agreement, the two government organisations will cooperate closely to address key data privacy challenges, improve collaboration between industry stakeholders, and nurture a trusted and responsible gaming ecosystem. PAGCOR Chairperson and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco noted that this partnership reaffirms the gaming regulator’s commitment to ensuring a safe gambling environment.
Mr Tengco said:
This is PAGCOR’s second partnership this year with a government organisation to safeguard consumer interests in the gaming sector. In July, PAGCOR signed an MoU with the Ad Standards Council (ASC) to screen gambling-related advertisements across all media platforms.
The regulator has also pledged to uphold new legislation to regulate the gambling sector. Filipino lawmakers are working to impose several amendments to the gambling act. Several bills, including a ban on gambling transactions and mandatory age verification, have been presented to the Senate.
New Database of Govt Officials and Employees Prohibited from Gambling in the Works
The PAGCOR CEO has confirmed that this partnership with the NPC will enable them to create a database of government employees and officials who are banned from participating in all forms of gambling at casinos and other venues across the nation.
Mr Tengco added:
In collaboration with the NPC, PAGCOR hopes to finally develop a database of government employees who are prohibited from gambling in casinos. This is part of our promotion of responsible gaming.
NPC Privacy Commissioner and Chairman, Attorney John Henry Naga, praised PAGCOR for proactively helping the NPC discharge its duties more effectively. The commissioner noted that this cooperation between government agencies is essential for protecting personal data in an industry that handles large volumes of personally identifiable information like online gaming.
Mr Henry Naga explained:
The formalisation of this collaboration between NPC and PAGCOR underscores the security of our citizens’ personal data, which is not just a regulatory requirement but a hallmark of excellence in the gaming industry.
This new database will allow PAGCOR to strengthen its regulatory enforcement efforts. The organisation relies on technology in its daily functioning. In June, PAGCOR launched a web portal for validating the authenticity of gaming operators in the Philippines. Called PAGCOR Guarantee, the free tool empowered users to verify if an online gambling site has the required permissions to conduct its business in the Philippines.