The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has enhanced the country’s gambling integrity through a new memorandum of agreement with the government’s Department of Justice (DOJ).
DOJ personnel will now be included on PAGCOR’s list of persons restricted from entering casinos as part of the first pact to be signed between the government agency and the state gaming regulatory firm, according to the state-run Philippine News Agency.
Out of approximately 4.5 million government officials and employees, 600,000 names are currently on the list of restricted persons. PAGCOR Chair and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco signed the agreement alongside Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida.
Vida stated: “The presence of government officials and employees in gaming establishments, in violation of existing laws and regulations, undermines the ethical standards we are sworn to uphold.”
Presidential Decree 1869 prohibits government officials and employees from gambling. DOJ has around 60,000 employees across its main offices and component agencies.
PAGCOR has voided PHP310m in winnings following a verification of players’ identities and qualifications to play in regulated gaming establishments, including Casino Filipino.
Vida said: “This data-sharing initiative is both timely and necessary. By enabling a more efficient and accurate identification system, we strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure that policies are not only written but meaningfully implemented.
“It allows PAGCOR to better regulate access to gaming revenues and empowers the DOJ to reinforce discipline within its ranks.”
PAGCOR recently accredited Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) for iGaming testing and certification, ahead of its requirement for industry suppliers to obtain official accreditation to offer their products to operators across the country, the deadline of which is 31 March.
Upon announcing the deal with GLI, Tengco emphasised the need for a strongly regulated market to ensure a ‘safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all to participate in’.
He added: “Regulated gaming markets ensure a safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all to participate in. A regulated market enables compliance to responsible gaming standards and the provision of tax revenue for reinvestment back into the community.”
As the Philippines market continues to evolve under the leadership of Tengco, tackling the grey market has been cited as key to enduring stability and growth for the gaming industry.
Keith McDonnell, Director of the KMI Group recently told iGaming Expert: “I’ve been involved with the Philippines market since 2008 and since then, it’s always been a hub for gaming in Southeast Asia. Regulations and the landscape have changed.”
Reflecting on tightening regulations, he added: “Recent measures are designed to double down on its long-established position as a regional hub and provide longevity, something that would pose more challenges under dark grey infrastructure, with the international hurdles that would bring.”
