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Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, disclosed that the new management plans will focus more on PAGCOR’s regulatory role and expand the agency’s reach to contribute to nation-building.
The opening ceremony of the ASEAN Gaming Summit at Marriott Manila, March 21st, 2023 was attended by Tengco, who was the keynote speaker.
The current PAGCOR Board was open to discussions about privatization upon its assumption in August 2022. However, it ensured that the welfare and well-being of employees, who would be affected by such management decisions, were taken into account.
Tengco also shared its plans and programs for 2023 with Tengco, who is primarily a regulatory agency. These are geared toward benefiting the gaming industry, responsible gaming, and supporting the government’s nation building efforts.
Tengco spoke about creating regulatory frameworks for online gambling operations, enhancements in slot machine operations and destruction of obsolete gaming paraphernalia (for suppliers), and creation and updating regulatory manuals like Junket Licensing Regulatory Manual or Casino Regulatory Manual to license casinos.
Modernization projects for slot machines at PAGCOR-operated gambling venues, the slots information management system (slots management system) and casino management systems, as well as PAGCOR’s Technical Standards for Electronic Gaming Machines, will be also enhanced.
“As we speak our Licensing & Regulatory Group is already completing projects such as the updating of suppliers’ regulatory manuals, implementing rules, guidelines for foundations and the crafting of Gaming Employment License regulations regarding prohibition on enter/stay/play.”
CEO Tengco also stated that PAGCOR had already reviewed its policies and regulatory frameworks regarding online gaming following the public outcry over offshore gaming. Tengco stated that licensees are subject to increased monitoring in order to ensure legal compliance.
“We recognize our limitations on enforcement and our ability to address illegal gaming, so we strengthened our partnerships with different law enforcement agencies to address these concerns.”
Tengco stated that PAGCOR had forged partnerships with several government agencies, such as the Department of Justice and Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to update and revise its Mutual Cooperation Agreement. This agreement’s main purpose is to combat illegal gambling online.
Tengco explained that PAGCOR has made amendments to its regulatory frameworks in order to encourage domestic online gaming.
Tengco noted that PAGCOR is looking to capitalize on the growing industry of online gambling. “We are currently studying other aspects of overseas gaming operations. We may also consider regulation of Special Class BPOs, which service legitimate operators licensed overseas. This would allow us to amend the penalties imposed upon overseas gaming operators and service providers in order to discourage non-compliance or involvement in any illegal activity.
PAGCOR will conduct an accreditation process for payment gateway providers in order to reduce the grey market for domestic online gaming. To maximize player engagement and entice more players to play, the agency plans to increase its allowed game offerings and products, including eSports and Live Dealer games, Online Horse Racing and Online Arcade (includes Perya).
We are aiming to revive our information technology systems in order to regulate the volatile and fast-developing online gaming industry. Tengco stated that it is right to improve our technological capabilities in order to better serve our role as gaming regulators.
He said that PAGCOR recognizes the challenges or competition presented by licensed casinos. “While we might not be able to compete with licensed casinos in every aspect, I believe that we have the right skills and talent pool. PAGCOR’s greatest asset has been its human resources. We must also make sure to leverage our people.
Tengco stated that all these measures have been taken and he envisions a Philippine gambling industry with better controls and safeguards to address social ills associated with gaming operations.
