The head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Monday called for stronger collaboration among gaming industry stakeholders to address problem gambling and addiction.

Speaking at the 2nd International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Addiction in Quezon City, PAGCOR chairperson and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco stressed the need for a comprehensive approach involving regulators, policymakers, operators, healthcare professionals and academics.

“As regulators, policymakers, industry operators, healthcare professionals, and academicians, we must not only share knowledge but also act as partners in understanding, preventing, and reducing the threats posed by problem gambling,” Tengco said.

He also stressed the potential for financial ruin and other negative consequences.

Tengco added that the conference theme, “Empowering Pathways: Problem Gambling and Gaming Prevention, Treatment and Recovery,” aligns with PAGCOR’s own initiatives to promote responsible gaming practices.

He reiterated PAGCOR’s commitment to mitigating gambling-related harm through policies such as the automatic exclusion of minors, students, and active government employees from gaming venues.

PAGCOR also has a Responsible Gaming Program that includes self- or family-initiated player exclusion, regulation of gaming advertisements, and partnerships with rehabilitation centers for affected individuals and families, Tengco said.

“Gaming has inherent social risks, but with the right safeguards and collaboration among all sectors, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our players,” Tengco said.