The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has intensified its responsible gaming safeguards, including stricter payment controls and an outright ban on credit cards for betting, to strengthen integrity and player protection across the growing digital gaming market.
Speaking at the G2E Asia @ the Philippines 2025 event in Pasay City, PAGCOR chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco announced new measures such as delinking e-wallets and certain payment channels. This move is essential to improve traceability, reinforce anti-money laundering protections and curb illicit financial activity, he said.
Tengco noted that the transition to tighter payment controls has prompted operators and players to recalibrate, resulting in softer revenues in the latter part of the third quarter of this year.
“These reforms inevitably have short-term impacts that are necessary because we cannot build a modern digital gaming ecosystem on foundations that do not fully meet global integrity and compliance standards,” Tengco said, acknowledging that the industry has “confronted severe headwinds” in recent months.
The payment reforms are part of a broader framework PAGCOR has been strengthening throughout the year. PAGCOR has also prohibited the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for betting, a measure based on recognizing “the risks of over-borrowing and impulsive behavior.”
Licensed operators are now required to integrate responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion and betting limits. Support systems are expanded through partnerships, including one with the Seagulls Flock Organization to establish a 24/7 helpline, train Responsible Gaming Ambassadors and accredit rehabilitation centers.
Advertising practices have also undergone major reforms following a partnership with the Ad Standards Council in July, leading to the removal of gambling ads from public spaces and establishing stricter rules to ensure marketing materials remain truthful and socially responsible.
“These efforts reflect PAGCOR’s long-term goal of cultivating a more secure, transparent and internationally aligned gaming environment,” Tengco said.
