---
title: "PAGCOR Opposes Outright Online Gambling Ban, Pushes for Tighter Regulations"
description: "The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) opposes calls for an online gambling ban, advocating stricter regulations instead of prohibition."
author: "Lucas Dunn"
date: "2025-07-09T20:13:54+03:00"
url: "https://www.casino.com/news/world/pagcor-opposes-outright-online-gambling-ban-pushes-for-tighter-regulations/"
source: "https://instantly-lasting-parrot.edgecompute.app/news/world/pagcor-opposes-outright-online-gambling-ban-pushes-for-tighter-regulations/"
---

The **Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation** (PAGCOR) has rejected calls for a full prohibition of online gambling. The authority asserts that enhanced regulatory frameworks, rather than outright bans, offer a more viable path to address industry challenges.

PAGCOR Chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco emphasized that prohibition risks fueling societal harm by driving the industry underground. “ _Regulation is the key and the answer, not a total ban_,” he explained. “ _If you implement a total ban, there will be no control, no regulation, and our fellow Filipinos will be even more disadvantaged_.”

## Positive Economic Impact

Tengco emphasized online gambling’s [substantial economic footprint](https://www.casino.com/news/world/the-philippines-national-treasury-receives-php12-67-billion-from-pagcor/), churning over **PHP100 billion** in annual contributions through different channels. The regulator collected **PHP50 billion** in 2024 in licensing fees alone, while one top operator reportedly paid **PHP30-40 billion** in taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

The sector sustains 32,000 direct jobs and indirectly supports security, logistics, food services, and transportation industries. “ _There are security guards, drivers, messengers, restaurants, and various transportation companies used by those involved in the online gambling industry_,” Tengco pointed out. He cautioned that a total ban could erase these gains, stating that hundreds of billions in revenue could be lost.

## Illegal Platforms Amplify Dangers

While defending regulation over prohibition, Tengco acknowledged public concerns about gambling-related social harms. He stressed that unregulated foreign-operated platforms present graver risks than licensed operators.

“ _Right now, we can only capture about 45-50% of the entire online gaming sphere…because there are so many illegal operators that are still operating_,” he noted, emphasizing their lack of safeguards like age verification. Unlike these platforms, [PAGCOR-regulated services](https://www.casino.com/news/world/pagcor-unveils-verification-site-for-legal-online-gaming-providers/) require participants to be 21+ years old.

Player complaints regarding unpaid winnings and vanished deposits have surged, underscoring the threats posed by these rogue entities. “ _What is really destroying the industry today are the illegal operators coming from other countries who are targeting Filipino customers_,” Tengco reiterated.

## Enhanced Safeguards

PAGCOR is deploying AI-driven monitoring systems to detect addictive gambling patterns and introduce features like mandatory self-exclusion and automated play suspensions after significant financial loss. Tengco clarified on the function of the cooling-off system, explaining, “ _If it sees, ‘there are more losers here than winners,’ then that will automatically stop you_.”

A round-the-clock gambling addiction hotline and rehabilitation partnerships aim to address addiction cases. Concurrently, advertising reforms target large-scale billboards, which Tengco said “ _spring up like mushrooms_.”