PAGCOR pulls new card to stave off prohibition calls

Summary

PAGCOR, the Philippines’ gambling regulator, has stepped up measures to head off calls for an outright ban on online gambling. Chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the body is exploring a complete ban on gambling advertising after already imposing a primetime TV and radio ad blackout between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.

During a Senate hearing, anti-gambling campaigners pressed PAGCOR and other agencies on tighter controls. Proposals in play include raising the minimum betting age to 21 and introducing a minimum deposit of P10,000 (£129). Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025 — which would ban online gambling — remains a looming legislative threat.

PAGCOR highlighted its recent safeguards: tougher KYC requirements, removal of gambling billboards, an online self-exclusion system and the use of AI tools to find illegal platforms. The regulator told senators the industry comprises around 10 million active players across 32 million registered accounts. E-sabong (cockfighting) enforcement failures were singled out by lawmakers, who urged police and the NBI to take stronger action.

No decision has been made on prohibition, but PAGCOR argues that a well-regulated sector is preferable to driving players to unregulated operators that skip player protections, taxes and fraud safeguards.

Key Points

PAGCOR is considering a full ban on gambling advertising after enforcing a primetime ad blackout (5.30pm–8.30pm).
Senators proposed stricter measures: minimum betting age of 21 and a minimum deposit of P10,000.
Senator Zubiri’s Anti-Online Gambling Act 2025, which would ban online gambling, remains a significant legislative threat.
PAGCOR reported roughly 10 million active players and 32 million registered accounts in the regulated sector.
The regulator has introduced stronger KYC, removed billboards, launched an online self-exclusion tool and is using AI to target illegal platforms.
Lawmakers criticised enforcement around e-sabong and urged law enforcement to take more decisive action.
Opponents warn that prohibition risks driving customers to the black market, where protections do not exist.

Why should I read this?

Short version: if you have any skin in the Philippine iGaming market (operators, affiliates, vendors or investors), this could upend licence conditions and advertising rules — maybe fast. PAGCOR is pushing strong measures and lawmakers are seriously considering tougher limits, even a ban. Read this so you’re not caught off guard.