TLDR PAGCOR says about 40,000 people were added to its gambling exclusion program in the last six months. Before Alejandro Tengco became chairman and CEO, the program had about 1,700 exclusions. Gamblers can exclude themselves, and family members can also apply on their behalf. Approved bans last at least one year and cover all PAGCOR-licensed land-based and online casinos. A 24/7 hotline opened in April to help people with information and applications.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, known as PAGCOR, says about 40,000 people have been added to its gambling exclusion program in the past six months.
Before Alejandro Tengco became the agency’s chairman and CEO, the program had about 1,700 exclusions. That means the total has grown by more than 38,000 in a short period.
Tengco shared the figures on October 11 during the grand launch of Kaban Hotel and Casino in Boracay. He said the results show the system is working.
The update comes as PAGCOR faces the prospect of lower revenue this year. Even so, the regulator says its responsible gaming campaign continues to show results through its exclusion and banning program.
How the Exclusion Program Works
Under the program, an approved person is barred from entering or using PAGCOR-licensed casinos. The ban applies to both land-based casinos and online gaming platforms under the agency’s authority.
Gamblers can apply to exclude themselves. Family members can also file an application if they are worried that a loved one is developing a gambling problem.
PAGCOR says this allows people to get help before gambling problems grow worse. It also gives families a direct way to ask for intervention for a relative.
Once an application is approved, the ban lasts for at least one year. Tengco said this period is meant to give patrons enough time