![\"PAGCOR](\"https:\/\/readwrite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/PAGCOR-Chairman-and-CEO-Alejandro-H.-Tengco-delivers-his-keynote-address-during-the-Light-Wonder-iGaming-Symposium-at-Newport-World-Resorts-in-Pasay-City-300x200.jpg\")
<\/div>\nPAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco is pushing for stricter online gambling regulations instead of a total ban.<\/p>\n
PAGCOR’s<\/a> (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) Tengco spoke at the Light & Wonder iGaming Symposium at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on Monday (September 8), arguing that regulations will have a more optimal effect on online gambling than a straightforward ban. He claimed that simple prohibition would only drive operations underground and onto the illegal market<\/a>, removing a much-needed source of tax revenue.<\/p>\n In particular, Tengco advocated for reforms put together and implemented by PAGCOR, which include reducing license fee rates among other policies. This has led to consistent growth in the e-gaming sector, rising by 100 billion Php ($1.8 billion). That accounts for nearly half of the industry’s total revenue.<\/p>\n \u201cThe iGaming story in the Philippines is no longer just about growth,\u201d Tengco said<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s about how we grow: safely, fairly, and sustainably. We support stricter regulations to protect our people, but we are against a total ban, which will only drive players to illegal operators and result in loss of revenues and jobs.”<\/p>\n Other reforms put into action by PAGCOR include separating regulatory and operational functions, implementing stronger responsible gaming safeguards, advocating for stricter advertising standards, the upcoming launch of a 24\/7 helpline for those most vulnerable, and the adoption of digital tools such as the PAGCOR Guarantee portal and AI-driven monitoring systems.<\/p>\n Speaking to various industry stakeholders, Tengco highlighted the importance of what he described as \u201ccompliance by design\u201d in the sector’s operations. Companies must follow anti-money laundering regulations, strengthen their KYC (Know Your Customer) guidelines, and fully support PAGCOR\u2019s Responsible Gaming initiatives.<\/p>\n \u201cWith responsible growth, compliance, and transparency, the Philippines can develop a safer, stronger, and globally competitive iGaming industry,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Featured image: PAGCOR<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The post PAGCOR chairman pushes for online gambling regulations over an outright ban<\/a> appeared first on ReadWrite<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe practicalities of PAGCOR’s online gambling reforms<\/span><\/h2>\n