The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) plans to launch an application before the end of the year that will direct online gaming players to licensed and regulated platforms as authorities step up efforts against illegal operators.

PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Alejandro H. Tengco announced the plan during the agency’s budget hearing at the House of Representatives on 24 August, saying the application will have two main functions: helping curb illegal online gambling and protecting players.

Two main objectives

“The PAGCOR app has two main objectives: First, to curb illegal online gambling and second, to protect players by ensuring that they play only on platforms licensed and regulated by PAGCOR,” Tengco said.

The planned app will make it easier for players to identify authorized gaming sites and access operators covered by regulatory safeguards, including a process for resolving disputes.

“If the platform you are playing on is licensed, there is a process of resolution if you encounter problems,” Tengco said.

Continued efforts to crack down on illegal online gaming

The initiative comes as PAGCOR and other government agencies continue efforts to crack down on illegal online gaming platforms and encourage players to shift to regulated services.

Tengco said about half of online gaming sites accessed in the Philippines are illegal, making it difficult for regulators and law enforcement agencies to keep players within the licensed sector.

“For those who patronize online gaming, we encourage them to use the PAGCOR App. The easier it is for them to identify where they can legally play, the better we can protect them from illegal operators and the risks that come with unregulated gaming,” he said.