Consumer Protection Measures and Solutions in Online Gambling: A Focus on the Philippines
Offshore companies wield dominance over more than half of the Philippine online gambling industry.
In the ongoing battle against illegal online gambling, PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, is taking significant steps to ensure consumer protection and combat the issue.
Combating Gambling Addiction
PAGCOR is implementing a 24/7 hotline and AI technology to monitor for signs of gambling addiction among its users. This proactive approach aims to provide support and assistance to those who may be struggling with problem gambling [1].
Tighter Controls on Advertisements
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has proposed stricter controls over gambling advertisements, with a focus on both online and offline platforms. This move is intended to protect consumers from deceptive practices and excessive exposure to gambling promotions [2].
Targeting the Illegal Gambling Market
Both Gatchalian's proposal and PAGCOR's efforts include a fresh set of measures to target the illegal gambling market. This includes collaborating with law enforcement agencies to shut down illegal platforms and prosecuting their operators [3].
Addressing the Appeal of Illegal Operators
Matej Novota, Head of Casino Research, stated that illegal operators often attract players due to offering a significantly better product than their licensed counterparts. To counter this, PAGCOR is working on regulating access to certain payment gateways, such as GCash and Maya, to combat illegal gambling [4].
Balancing Consumer Protection and Market Regulation
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri's proposed ban on online gambling is opposed by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco. Tengco believes that such a ban would be detrimental to player protection, as it would drive gambling activities underground, making them harder to regulate [5].
The Importance of Channelization
Much remains to be done to bring the channelization of online gambling to sustainable levels. Currently, PAGCOR-licensed gambling companies account for between 45% and 50% of the entire online gambling market in the country. However, this leaves a significant portion of the market in the hands of illegal operators [6].
Protecting Consumers with Self-Exclusion Tools
To further protect consumers, PAGCOR is introducing self-exclusion tools and mandatory cooling-off periods. These measures aim to provide players with the ability to limit their own gambling activities, should they choose to do so [7].
As the landscape of online gambling continues to evolve, PAGCOR's commitment to consumer protection and the fight against illegal gambling remains steadfast. The exact details of the measures proposed by Chairman Tengco can be found in the full transcript or official statement from the Philippine Hotel Connect 2025 event.
- PAGCOR's 24/7 hotline and AI technology are set to monitor for signs of gambling addiction among users, offering support and assistance to those who may struggle with problem gambling.
- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has proposed stricter controls over gambling advertisements, aiming to protect consumers from deceptive practices and excessive exposure to promotions.
- PAGCOR, along with Gatchalian's proposal, is implementing measures to target the illegal gambling market, collaborating with law enforcement agencies and shutting down illegal platforms.
- To counter the appeal of illegal gambling operators, PAGCOR is working on regulating access to certain payment gateways, such as GCash and Maya, to combat illegal gambling activities.
