The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has rolled out a new gaming education framework aimed at curbing the growth of illegal online gambling. The initiative focuses on player education, operator training, and public outreach, while encouraging closer collaboration across the industry.
Player Education at the Core
PAGCOR Vice President for Human Resource and Development Group Angelito Domingo explained that the program responds to rising social concerns fueled by digital technologies. Speaking at a recent regulators’ forum, he emphasized that regulators, operators, law enforcement, NGOs, and local communities must work together to safeguard the industry.
“There are three forces – technology as the tool, the criminal divide as the motive, and social impact as the public outcry – that create a perfect storm which threatens the integrity of the legal gaming industry,” Domingo said.
According to him, player education is central to the initiative. Campaigns will highlight responsible play and raise awareness of gambling’s financial and psychological risks. “A lot of people are not aware of the financial implications when they engage in gambling. They only realize the impact when it’s too late,” he warned.
Training and Public Outreach
In addition, operator training will include mandatory certification programs to help frontline staff identify and address problem gambling. Meanwhile, public outreach will rely on unified campaigns in partnership with NGOs, regulators, and financial institutions.
Domingo noted that online gambling in the Philippines is expanding rapidly due to easy access to technology and the population’s heavy reliance on mobile devices. While this growth creates opportunities for the regulated sector, it also opens the door for illegal operators.
Industry Growth Strengthens Outlook
The education framework comes at a time of strong industry performance. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco recently forecast that the country’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) will reach $7 billion in 2025. Revenues nearly doubled in the past two years, from $3.75 billion in 2022 to $6.5 billion in 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, industry revenues hit $3.8 billion, keeping the sector on track to reach its full-year target. PAGCOR’s share for the same period reached $1 billion, underscoring the strength of the local market.
