The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) is set to launch a mobile application designed to help users identify licensed online casinos amidst the proliferation of unregulated gambling platforms. Pagcor chairman and CEO Alejandro H Tengco revealed the initiative during a budget hearing in the House on Monday.
The new app, expected to debut before the end of 2026, will enhance Pagcor's current verification system, dubbed Pagcor Guarantee. Tengco stated that the primary goals of the app are twofold: to curb illegal online gambling activities and safeguard players by guiding them to properly regulated and licensed websites.
Tengco underscored the extent of the situation, noting that about 50% of online gaming websites accessible in the Philippines are currently unlicensed. "Keeping players within the regulated sector has been an ongoing challenge for Pagcor and our law enforcement partners," he said. He urged online gaming patrons to utilize the new Pagcor app, emphasizing that easier identification of licensed platforms would help protect them from the dangers associated with unregulated gaming operations.
To support this initiative, Pagcor is collaborating with various government entities, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC). This joint effort aims not only to identify unlicensed operators but also to disrupt the financial aspects that enable illegal gaming, particularly through unauthorized payment systems.
In addition to verification, the mobile application will provide a formal mechanism for dispute resolution, assisting players who encounter issues with licensed online operators. Tengco referred to the benefits of previous initiatives, particularly the June 2025 rollout of Pagcor Guarantee, which made it easier for players to verify whether online gaming sites possess the necessary licenses before they engage or make payments.
Tengco has been an advocate for stronger regulatory frameworks, outlining his three primary goals for the next 25 months, which include pursuing legislative approval for a comprehensive online gambling law. This encompasses a new operator fee that was initiated in June. Pagcor now mandates a minimum guaranteed fee of PHP9 million for online casino operators, calculated at a 30% tax rate based on monthly revenues of PHP30 million, while those without casino games, such as sports betting sites, must meet a PHP3 million minimum fee based on revenues of PHP15 million.
In the second quarter of this year, Pagcor reported a gross gaming revenue of PHP88.13 billion, reflecting a decrease of 20.33% compared to the same period last year.
