PAGCOR open to stricter online gambling regulations

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) is open to stricter regulations against online gaming as proposed by lawmakers.

In a statement on Friday, PAGCOR said it is the prerogative of lawmakers to propose laws they believe are beneficial to the public.

“PAGCOR is duty-bound to follow any and all relevant regulations since they are passed by Congress and signed into law by the President,” it said.

While proposals are being tackled in Congress, the state-run gaming firm said it remains fully committed to intensifying efforts against illegal online gaming activities in cooperation with other relevant agencies and gaming industry stakeholders.

At the House of Representatives, there is a pending bill pushing for a ban on the promotion of online gambling and its connection to electronic wallets.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian also filed a bill seeking to crack down on the use of e-wallets for online gambling.

Following the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s recent circular meant to address online gambling, Manila 2nd district Rep. Rolando Valeriano said he will file a new bill that aims to “revoke all permits and licenses issued to businesses with e-sabong and online gaming operations.”

Valeriano noted that his proposed bill will go after the gambling operators themselves, so that e-payment and e-wallet companies would no longer have to deal with licensed gambling operators in the first place. — Jose Rodel Clapano