PAGCOR chief raises alarm on illegal e-Gaming licences, urges industry action
The head of the Philippines’ gaming regulator has called for stronger cooperation across the industry to tackle problem gambling and reduce addiction risks, as reforms to the country’s licensing and regulatory framework continue.
Speaking at the 2nd International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Addiction in Quezon City, Alejandro Tengco, chairman and chief executive of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), stressed the need for a “whole-of-society approach” to minimise the social harm caused by gambling.
He urged regulators, operators, healthcare professionals, academics, and policymakers to go beyond knowledge sharing and form lasting partnerships to understand, prevent, and reduce gambling-related risks.
“Our goal is to build a safe, fair, and sustainable gaming environment for all Filipinos,” he said. Tengco’s remarks come at a time when PAGCOR is under mounting scrutiny for its management of e-gaming licences. Earlier this year, the agency suspended the acceptance of new applications for electronic gaming platforms due to growing concerns over their rapid expansion and weak enforcement.
Licence legitimacy under scrutiny
Despite the pause, issues have persisted. PAGCOR recently received complaints involving Lucky 7 Bingo Corporation, a licensed e-games venue operator. The company allegedly entered into questionable agreements with individuals, promising they could earn up to PHP 50,000 (€848.74) through the Lucky 7 Bet Lottery Platform. In return, participants were reportedly asked to make an upfront cash deposit of PHP 3,000 (€50.92).
In response, PAGCOR issued a memorandum warning all licensed platforms to strictly adhere to their licence conditions and refrain from misleading marketing practices. The agency also announced a full review of existing e-Gaming licence holders to check compliance with responsible gaming rules, permitted game offerings, and financial reporting requirements.
Tengco said the freeze on new applications, combined with tougher internal reforms, reflects PAGCOR’s broader aim to improve player protection and restore public confidence in the gaming sector.
Campaign wave set to continue
“Gaming has inherent social risks,” he noted, “but with the right safeguards and cooperation, we can protect the well-being of our players.” As part of its responsible gaming initiatives, PAGCOR also plans to expand partnerships with rehabilitation centres to provide treatment and counselling for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The agency is also boosting public awareness campaigns and increasing funding for research and intervention programmes.
The conference, themed “Empowering Pathways: Problem Gambling and Gaming Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery,” gathered industry operators, e-gaming providers, and international experts. Many welcomed Tengco’s push for greater industry accountability and backed further dialogue on regulatory reform.
Tengco concluded by emphasising that while gaming contributes to the economy, public safety must remain at the core of policy and industry action.
