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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said it has intensified its responsible gaming measures as the country’s digital gaming market continues to grow, Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said Wednesday.
Speaking at the G2E Asia @ the Philippines 2025 in Pasay City, the PAGCOR chief said the new financial safeguards include the delinking of e-wallets and certain payment channels to strengthen integrity and player protection across the fast-growing online sector.
Mr. Tengco said the transition to tighter payment controls has prompted operators and players to recalibrate, resulting in softer revenues in the latter part of the third quarter of this year.
He said the measure is essential to improve traceability, reinforce anti-money laundering protections, and curb illicit financial activity.
“In recent months, most of you are aware that our industry has confronted severe headwinds,” he said. “These reforms inevitably have short-term impacts that are necessary because we cannot build a modern digital gaming ecosystem on foundations that do not fully meet global integrity and compliance standards.”
Mr. Tengco added that the payment reforms are part of a broader responsible gaming framework that PAGCOR has been strengthening throughout the year.
“This commitment extends to responsible gaming and player protection,” he said.
Licensed operators are also now required to integrate responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion and betting limits to help players manage their gambling habits more sustainably.
PAGCOR has likewise prohibited the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for betting, a measure Mr. Tengco said was based on recognizing “the risks of over-borrowing and impulsive behavior.”
Support systems are likewise expanded through partnerships with foundations such as the Seagulls Flock Organization to establish a 24/7 helpline, train Responsible Gaming Ambassadors, and accredit rehabilitation centers to ensure that those in need of professional care have immediate access to support.
Advertising practices have also undergone major reforms through PAGCOR’s partnership with the Ad Standards Council last July.
The partnership led to the removal of gambling ads from public spaces and established stricter rules to ensure marketing materials remain truthful and socially responsible.
“These efforts reflect PAGCOR’s long-term goal of cultivating a more secure, transparent, and internationally aligned gaming environment,” M. Tengco said.
“The future of gaming will demand regulatory agility, industry cooperation, and a shared commitment to integrity, and players should always feel that their safety and well-being remain at the core of our policies.”
G2E Asia @ the Philippines, held at Newport World Resorts, brought together regulators, operators, and technology leaders from across the region to examine emerging trends and the changing expectations of Asia’s gaming market.
The post PAGCOR enhances responsible gaming safeguards amid digital play growth appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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