Philippine regulator moves ahead with plan to separate regulator and operator roles
The Philippine gambling regulator PAGCOR has reaffirmed its plan to separate its dual role as operator and regulator of the country’s gaming industry.
In a statement confirming the move, PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Alejandro Tengco said it was clear that “a referee cannot also be a player on the same field”.
The move still requires approval from the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations and careful legal consideration under Presidential Decree 1869 and Republic Act 9487.
However, in the expectation that it would be approved, Tengco assured employees they would be protected through redeployment, absorption by privatized operators, or competitive retirement benefits once privatization proceeds.
PAGCOR has been preparing for the privatization of its casinos since March 2023, which would allow it to focus only on its regulatory role.
Despite challenges, the Philippine gaming sector is expanding. Tengco said the growth was due to the rise of electronic gaming but emphasized the need for accountability and player protection.
Recent integrity changes include the PAGCOR Guarantee Page for verifying licensed sites, safe gaming tools, advertising limits, and closer work with law enforcement.
Tengco also mentioned that the Philippines had been removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, which he said would boost investor confidence and regulatory credibility.
Dig deeper
2025/08/21: Philippine online gambling transactions fall 50% after e-wallet restrictions
2025/05/19: Philippine regulator shares warning on fake gaming contracts
2025/09/08: Philippine gambling regulator under pressure over gambling ads on social media
2025/04/03: Michigan gaming regulator sends cease-and-desist to online offshore operator
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
