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 to deal with an actual or perceived gambling problem.
Because the ban covers all licensed operators, excluded people cannot move from one casino or online platform to another during that time. This closes off a common way around a single-venue ban.
Hotline Supports Applications
PAGCOR opened a 24/7 hotline in April as part of its responsible gaming efforts. The line gives patrons and family members a direct channel for information and help with applications.
The agency says the hotline is meant to make the exclusion process easier to access. It is aimed at people concerned about their own gambling or the gambling habits of a family member.
The rise in exclusions reflects a growing number of applications under the responsible gaming initiative. Tengco said the agency is still processing more of them.
That means the number of excluded people could rise further in the coming months.
Tengco said the responsible gaming campaign and self-exclusion program allow the gaming sector to keep operating while reducing potential harm linked to gambling problems.
The program focuses on limiting access to licensed casinos for people who may need time away from gambling.
For now, PAGCOR’s exclusion list stands at about 40,000 people, and the 24/7 hotline remains part of the agency’s ongoing responsible gaming measures.
