PAGCOR launches education framework to tackle illegal online gambling | AGB
Summary
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has rolled out a comprehensive gaming education framework aimed at reducing illegal online gambling by focusing on three pillars: player education, operator training and public outreach. The scheme, announced by PAGCOR Vice President for Human Resource and Development Angelito Domingo, seeks to bring regulators, operators, law enforcement, NGOs and communities together to address harms amplified by rapid digital growth and widespread mobile use.
The framework places player education at its core, emphasising responsible play and awareness of financial and psychological risks. Operator training will introduce mandatory certification programmes for frontline staff to better spot and respond to problem gambling. Public outreach will use unified campaigns and stakeholder collaboration, including financial regulators and civil society.
The move comes as the Philippine gaming market grows rapidly — PAGCOR projects gross gaming revenue (GGR) to hit around $7 billion in 2025 — and as illegal operators increasingly exploit technological accessibility and mobile penetration.
Key Points
- PAGCOR has launched an education framework to tackle illegal online gambling through three main areas: player education, operator training and public outreach.
- Player education aims to raise awareness of the financial and psychological risks of gambling and promote responsible play.
- Operator training will include mandatory certification programmes to equip frontline staff to identify and respond to problem gambling.
- Public outreach will involve coordinated campaigns and collaboration with regulators, law enforcement, NGOs and communities.
- The initiative responds to the rapid expansion of online gaming in the Philippines and associated vulnerabilities exploited by illegal operators amid rising GGR and mobile access.
Why should I read this?
If you work in Philippines gaming, regulation, payments or player protection — this matters. PAGCOR is switching from enforcement-only tactics to prevention via education and certified operator training. It’s a practical sign the regulator is trying to close the gaps illegal sites exploit. Short version: it affects revenues, compliance risk and how operators train staff. We read it so you don’t have to — quick, useful and relevant.
Author note
Punchy: PAGCOR’s framework isn’t just PR — it targets the root causes that let illegal operators flourish. Watch for mandatory training rollouts and coordinated outreach; these will be the real test of impact.