Pagcor Advocates for Stricter Regulation of E-Gambling Amid Rising Concerns

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has stated its intention to support enhanced regulations for the online gambling sector, responding to increasing pressure from the Catholic Church and various lawmakers advocating for a complete ban on the industry. Alejandro Tengco, Chair and CEO of Pagcor, emphasized that while the agency is not in favor of an outright prohibition, it acknowledges the necessity for stricter oversight of this lucrative market.

In an interview aired on dzMM, Tengco pointed out that the online gambling sector has generated significant revenue for the government, contributing over PHP 100 billion in earnings, with a net income of PHP 84.97 billion reported last year. Approximately half of this income, around PHP 48.79 billion, originated from e-games and e-bingo operations. "Let’s not set this aside," Tengco remarked, highlighting the importance of the sector in terms of job creation and economic contribution.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has intensified its opposition to online gambling, citing detrimental effects on vulnerable populations, particularly the youth and the economically disadvantaged. The CBCP's stance was echoed by lawmakers who have introduced measures seeking either a complete ban or additional restrictions on the industry.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian recently proposed a bill to raise the minimum deposit requirement for online gambling to PHP 10,000, aiming to make it less accessible to minors and those unable to afford such indulgences. Concurrently, Senator Risa Hontiveros has introduced legislation to prohibit advertising of online gambling and impose betting limits, arguing that current marketing practices encourage irresponsible gambling behaviors.

In contrast, some lawmakers, such as Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, advocate for a total ban on online gambling, citing concerns over moral and social implications. Zubiri noted that despite the industry's financial contributions, it has been associated with a rise in illegal activities, including human trafficking.

Tengco acknowledged the challenges posed by illegal operators targeting Filipino gamblers and suggested that the regulation of legitimate operations could help combat these issues. He also announced plans for the implementation of a self-exclusion tool designed to assist gambling addicts by preventing access to online gaming platforms.

As the discourse surrounding online gambling evolves, Pagcor's commitment to balancing regulation with economic interests remains a focal point. Tengco's assertions highlight the complexities involved in navigating public sentiment, economic realities, and social responsibility within the rapidly growing online gambling industry. The ongoing discussions among lawmakers will likely shape the future regulatory landscape as the government seeks to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders while still capitalizing on the sector's financial benefits.