PAGCOR issue illegal gambling warning
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has been forced to issue a warning concerning the unauthorised usage of its logo.
Only operators with an authenticated licence from PAGCOR may display their logo on their website in relation to their products.
The unauthorised usage of PAGCOR’s logo as a seal of approval has now prompted the regulatory body to issue a warning to any players partaking in any of these website’s product lines.
A growing issue
This illicit usage of PAGCOR’s logo has become an increasingly widespread issue as of late with the regulator’s CEO Alejandro Tengco advising players to exercise increased caution when gambling online.
He has highlighted PAGCOR’s list of approved websites to provide guidance as to which operators have received certification.
Presence of law enforcement
Tengco also highlighted the involvement of several law enforcement agencies which include the Philippine National Police, the Department of Information and Communication Technology and the National Bureau of Investigation.
This involvement is intended to not only monitor these illicit movements but also take actions to prevent the illegal operation of these sites.
Tengco stated on the matter:
“We have been able to shut down most of these illicit websites, however, some of them are able to immediately create new ones. We really need the public’s cooperation and vigilance to help us weed out these scammers.”
The presence of payment service providers was also alluded to, with the intention of blocking payments made to these websites.
PAGCOR’s continued efforts to prevent illegal gambling
This regulatory warning is part of PAGCOR’s ongoing efforts to end the illicit operation of certain gambling websites.
Prior to this warning, another statement was made against a US-operated site which the regulator flagged as a vehicle for fraudsters to link to a fully functional website in the Philippines.
PAGCOR has also been working on setting up regulatory offices inside an accredited hub which would also see the inclusion of a selection of the previously mentioned law enforcement agencies.
PAGCOR has made it clear for a significant amount of time now, that heavy penalties will be incurred by any operators who fail to comply with these regulations which now also include increased compliance inspections and the compilation of reports for law enforcement analysis.
In fact, PAGCOR has taken legal action against 33 offshore gambling licensees for unpaid fees amounting to over PHP 2.02 billion ($33.2 million).
New regulatory framework
Last August, PAGCOR inaugurated a new regulatory framework concerning offshore gaming licensees.
This would see licences issued under this legislation become probationary, requiring re-application for PAGCOR approval to continue operations.
Any operators found guilty of illegal operations will not be allowed the chance to apply for a new licence. PAGCOR has even alleged that any licences given during the previous administration have not been paid for renewal for over a year now.
SiGMA Curaçao up next!
SiGMA Curaçao is happening in less than three weeks, from September 25th to 28th, hosted by the Ministry of Finance in partnership with SiGMA Curaçao. Join to gain insights into gambling regulations and the iGaming industry while connecting with key industry figures in the Dutch constituent.
