The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced on Thursday that it has confiscated approximately 1.29 billion pesos in online gambling winnings, which originally belonged to groups legally prohibited from participating in gambling, including government employees, members of the Philippine Armed Forces, minors under the age of 21, and students currently enrolled in schools.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco stated at a Senate gaming committee hearing that the company strictly enforces the rule that only individuals over the age of 21 are allowed to register on online gambling platforms. However, he also admitted that some minors might circumvent the verification process by forging identity documents.
Tengco emphasized that even if players are not listed on PAGCOR's self-exclusion list, their winnings will be directly confiscated and not disbursed if their identities do not meet legal requirements. This measure aims to keep gambling activities away from high-risk groups and maintain the industry's legality and credibility.
PAGCOR Assistant Vice President Jessa Fernandez added that as of June 2025, electronic gaming platforms contributed 59.92% to PAGCOR's total revenue, significantly higher than 18.98% four years ago. Currently, PAGCOR-licensed online gaming platforms only account for 40% of the national market, but have grown by about 800% compared to 2021. She mentioned that by strengthening regulation, PAGCOR has not only expanded the share of the legal market but also provided more protection for government finances and public interest.
In response to some legislators' suggestions for a "total ban on online gambling," PAGCOR responded that instead of a blanket ban, it is better to implement strict, clear, and responsible regulatory policies to prevent addiction and reduce negative social impacts.
