PAGCOR Introduce Stringent New Online Gambling Laws to the Philippines

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has committed to swiftly stamp out any activities by offshore gambling operators aimed at enticing Filipino players with illicit welcome bonuses and promotions.

They have also confirmed the installation of government and law enforcement agency offices within the gambling authority.

 Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

They have embarked on an intensive multi-agency program to achieve the gambling regulator's vision of a highly-trafficked local gambling community with 100% channelisation. Speaking of how the country plans on enforcing its gambling act, a representative outlined the planned initiatives as including:

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“… intensified inspection and verification of compliance of offshore gaming licensees and service providers; submission of reports to enforcement agencies for investigation and verification of findings; enhanced coordination with relevant government agencies; and stricter implementation of regulations and imposition of heavy penalties to licensees and services providers who violated existing regulations.”

With this robust review and enforcement goal, the need for inter-agency cooperation becomes clear, as PAGCOR alone needs more human resources or expertise to cover all bases.

However, it is possible to cover all the potential loopholes effectively by bringing in local and international facing legal teams, taxation and anti-fraud specialists, and a wide range of government agencies.

 No Second Chances on the Table

To underline how seriously the government takes the value it sees in the gambling industry and its ability to uplift the country, all licensees were only allowed a probationary gambling license and were advised to re-apply on 17 September 2023.

PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Offshore Gaming Licensing Attorney Jessa Fernandez said:

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“In the present framework, all Service Providers who are accepting bets are required to apply for a license. We will also evaluate the beneficial owners of these companies so that they will be held liable in case they are found to be involved in any illegal activity.”

This probationary period allows PAGCOR to thoroughly review the operator and their business practices before deciding if they have earned the right to a full license.

They reiterated their view on operators who do not toe the line, saying:

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“Entities with findings of activities outside their granted license or accreditation will not be granted a license under the new framework. Likewise, licensees or service providers who shall not re-apply or were granted license within the given period shall be endorsed for cancellation.”

From the outset, the government of the Philippines has made it clear that through PAGCOR, it would support players' right to play instant games online but would not allow unlicensed operators to sully the market.

Unlike their European counterparts, they are unwilling to live and let live for anyone who won’t play by their rules. Transgressing the Filipino offshore gambling code means permanent blacklisting, not paying a fine and carrying on as though nothing had happened.