Alejandro H. Tengco, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), stated on Wednesday that the company has stepped up its responsible gaming policies as the nation’s digital gaming market continues to expand.
In order to improve integrity and player safety throughout the rapidly expanding online industry, the PAGCOR chief stated at the G2E Asia @ the Philippines 2025 in Pasay City that the new financial precautions include the delinking of e-wallets and specific payment methods.
According to Mr. Tengco, operators and players have recalibrated as a result of the shift to stricter payment rules, which has led to lower revenues in the latter half of this year’s third quarter.
According to him, the action is necessary to strengthen anti-money laundering safeguards, enhance traceability, and stop illegal financial activities.
In recent months, most of you are aware that our industry has confronted severe headwinds. These reforms inevitably have short-term impacts that are necessary because we cannot build a modern digital gaming ecosystem on foundations that do not fully meet global integrity and compliance standards.
The payment improvements, Mr. Tengco continued, are a part of a larger framework for responsible gaming that PAGCOR has been bolstering all year.
He mentioned:
This commitment extends to responsible gaming and player protection.
Licensed operators are also now required to integrate responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion and betting limits to help players manage their gambling habits more sustainably.
Additionally, PAGCOR has banned the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for gambling. According to Mr. Tengco, this decision was made in recognition of “the risks of over-borrowing and impulsive behavior.”
In order to guarantee that people in need of expert care have quick access to assistance, support networks are also expanded through collaborations with foundations like the Seagulls Flock Organization to create a round-the-clock hotline, train Responsible Gaming Ambassadors, and accredit rehabilitation facilities.
Due to PAGCOR’s collaboration with the Ad Standards Council in July of last year, significant changes have also been made to advertising practices.
In order to ensure that marketing materials continue to be truthful and socially responsible, the cooperation resulted in the removal of gambling advertisements from public areas and the establishment of more stringent regulations.
M. Tengco said:
These efforts reflect PAGCOR’s long-term goal of cultivating a more secure, transparent, and internationally aligned gaming environment. The future of gaming will demand regulatory agility, industry cooperation, and a shared commitment to integrity, and players should always feel that their safety and well-being remain at the core of our policies.
G2E Asia @ the Philippines, which took place at Newport World Resorts, brought together technology leaders, operators, and regulators from all around the region to analyze new trends and shifting expectations of the Asian gaming sector.
