The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) voided around P310 million in casino winnings in 2025 after discovering the players involved were government officials prohibited from gambling. This is according to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco. Speaking in an ambush interview on Monday, Tengco said the individuals came from various government departments. In addition, some came from local government units.
Law Bars Government Employees From Casino Gambling
Tengco said many of the affected individuals argued they were entitled to the winnings since they had already won. However, PAGCOR maintained that the payouts were invalid because government employees are legally barred from gambling in the first place.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1869 (the PAGCOR Charter) and Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2016, government officials are prohibited from entering and participating in casino gambling. Tengco said PAGCOR’s standard approach is to confiscate the winnings and report the violators to their respective government offices.
Concerns Over Money Laundering Allegations
The issue has gained renewed attention amid allegations that some government personnel may be using casinos to launder bribes or kickbacks linked to public projects. In Tengco’s comments, he emphasized a broader effort to strengthen enforcement. Furthermore, he wants to reinforce restrictions on public employees accessing gaming venues.
DOJ Agreement Strengthens Access Screening
Tengco made the remarks during a visit to the Department of Justice (DOJ). During the same visit, PAGCOR signed a memorandum of agreement to share profiles of DOJ employees and personnel from attached agencies. The initiative is designed to strengthen identification checks. Moreover, it aims to prevent restricted individuals from entering casinos.
Tengco said the arrangement will help reduce loopholes by improving screening systems and tightening monitoring at gaming venues.
Other Agencies May Join Data-Sharing Effort
Tengco also revealed that two other government secretaries have contacted PAGCOR to explore similar coordination and data-sharing arrangements. The growing interest suggests a wider push across government to strengthen enforcement. It also aims to identify public servants who violate casino entry restrictions.
PAGCOR reiterated that its objective remains consistent: enforce the ban, annul winnings, and report violators to the appropriate authorities when discovered.
