The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) is preparing to launch a 24/7 problem gambling hotline by 2026, aiming to enhance gaming safety and infrastructure across the country. Vina Claudette Oca, Assistant Vice President at PAGCOR’s Gaming Licensing and Development Department, announced the initiative during a panel discussion at G2E Asia @ The Philippines 2025.
Building an Accessible Support System
Oca described the helpline as a milestone project to improve player protection and strengthen public trust in PAGCOR. The service will provide round-the-clock assistance to individuals facing gambling problems, forming a comprehensive safety net. This initiative is part of a broader effort to show PAGCOR’s commitment to addressing societal concerns related to gambling.
Extending Oversight Beyond the Casino Floor
PAGCOR is also tightening regulations on gambling advertising. Oca noted collaboration with the Ads Standards Council to monitor and remove gaming ads from billboards and other out-of-home channels. The regulator plans to strengthen these partnerships further as discussions around local gambling volumes, particularly online, continue to grow.
Operators Employ Technology for Player Safeguards
Private operators are adopting technological solutions to enhance responsible gaming. Nerie Aquino, Gaming Compliance Director at Tiger Resort, Leisure & Entertainment Inc. (Okada Manila), highlighted the casino’s use of facial recognition technology since 2017. This system helps identify individuals listed in PAGCOR’s National Database for Restricted Persons.
Okada Manila also enforces strict Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, including random verification checks for visitors entering casino areas, ensuring compliance and safe gaming practices.
Digital Platforms Use Data for Early Intervention
Online operators are leveraging data analytics to detect and address risky behavior. Erick Su, Head of ArenaPlus, a sportsbook platform under DigiPlus Interactive Corp, explained that digital platforms can monitor player welfare more efficiently.
ArenaPlus observes player activity, including social interactions, to identify emotional distress linked to gambling. The platform provides tools for responsible play, such as session and loss limits, and guides at-risk users toward self-exclusion programs or professional help when necessary.
A Unified Approach to Safer Gaming
Combined efforts from PAGCOR, land-based casinos, and online platforms are creating a multi-layered approach to responsible gaming. From the upcoming 24/7 helpline to AI-assisted surveillance and proactive data analysis, the Philippine gaming industry is taking measurable steps to protect players.
As 2026 approaches, these initiatives aim to establish a safer, more responsible gaming environment for all stakeholders in the country.
