The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reports 12 arrests in crackdown on illegal online gambling.
The National Capital Region Police Office and Anti-Cybercrime Group arrested 12 individuals in Parañaque City, part of PAGCOR’s broader campaign against illegal gambling. The focus was on Tbb888.com, identified by PAGCOR for illegal online gambling, offering slots, casino, and esports betting.
Authorities seized computers, phones, tablets, laptops, and drives during the raid, revealing evidence of illegal activities. The operation took place in the affluent BF Northwest Subdivision, home to political and business leaders.
PAGCOR’s SVP for Security, Raul Villanueva, mentioned:
The operation was part of our unified efforts to intensify the fight against illegal online gambling. We have a marching order from PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco to put a stop to these illegal activities. We will continuously collaborate with law enforcement authorities to put a stop to these.
Villanueva reiterated PAGCOR’s dedication to combating all types of illegal online gambling. At one point, nearly 5,000 illegal websites operated in the Philippines. However, PAGCOR’s initiatives have resulted in the blocking of 80% of these sites.
Villanueva, said:
We need to consistently monitor and report them to authorities not only to protect the bettors but to also ensure that revenues from regulated gaming are channelled back to the government for its nation-building programs, We advise the public to stop patronising illegal online gaming sites and instead play on legal platforms to protect themselves. Unfortunately, most of the victims of these illegal sites are Filipino bettors. We are also working closely with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center under the Department of Information and Communications Technology because we have a lot more targets under surveillance.
