The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) plans to launch a new application by the end of 2026. It will help online gaming players identify and access licensed platforms. The initiative aims to strengthen player protection as illegal online gaming remains widespread in the Philippines.
App Targets Illegal Online Gaming
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco announced the planned application during a House Committee on Appropriations budget hearing on August 24.
The app will make it easier for players to identify authorised gaming platforms that comply with PAGCOR regulations and player protection requirements. Tengco said the initiative has two main objectives: reducing illegal online gambling and ensuring players use platforms that are licensed and regulated.
Players who use licensed operators also have access to formal mechanisms for resolving disputes. This provides additional protection compared with unregulated platforms.
Tengco said around 50% of online gaming sites accessed in the Philippines are illegal. Therefore, it is increasingly important for players to distinguish between authorised and unauthorised operators.
PAGCOR Expands Verification Efforts
The new application builds on PAGCOR Guarantee, an online verification service launched in 2025. The platform allows users to check whether an online gaming provider is licensed and helps direct players toward authorised operators.
PAGCOR is also working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Telecommunications Commission and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center to combat illegal online gaming. These efforts include targeting the payment channels used by unlicensed operators.
By combining player verification tools with broader enforcement measures, PAGCOR aims to encourage more users to move toward regulated platforms. The upcoming app could therefore become an important part of the Philippines’ strategy to improve online gaming safety, regulatory compliance and player protection.
