Amidst continued speculation about the future of online gaming in the Philippines, PAGCOR has underpinned the significant economic impact of the regulated sector.
PAGCOR Chair and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco emphasised that a significant amount of fees stems from licensing in the country.
Tengco stated: “Because of its huge potential, online gaming has become an important source of funds for our nation-building commitments, including PAGCOR’s support for education, health care, and community development.
“Every peso we collect from the gaming sector translates to meaningful projects such as classrooms for our children, health programs for our people, and safe spaces for communities in times of calamity. This is how we ensure that gaming directly benefits Filipinos.”
PAGCOR and the Marcos government have been locked in a standoff in recent months over the upcoming overhaul of gambling regulations, with media speculation of a total ban on the online sector. The Senate Committee on Gaming and Entertainment is reportedly set to consider four bills, three resolutions, and one speech on the impact of online gambling.
PAGCOR is not only pointing to the economic impact of the regulated market as a key reason for the market not to be outlawed, but also the looming threat of the black market.
“These illegal sites not only deprive the government of much-needed revenues but also expose Filipino players to numerous risks,” Tengco noted.
The PAGCOR CEO underpinned enhanced enforcement against the illegal sector, emphasising its “commitment to strengthening regulation and enforcement to ensure that only legitimate and properly monitored operators are allowed to operate”.
Recent research revealed specific concerns over the continued offering of e-sabong, also known as cockfighting.
Central to the enticing of players to the black market was the allure of juiced-up bonuses of 108%, epitomising the hurdles faced by the regulated market when it comes to tackling engagement with illegal operators.
At the heart of the differentiation in marketing approaches is the affiliate strategy undertaken by both the regulated and the unregulated sectors.
The report revealed that many unregulated operators provide lucrative affiliate programs, sometimes offering 45–65% of gross gaming revenue to attract strong collaborations.
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