The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is planning to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance the regulation of the online gambling industry. The new technology is expected to help identify potential gambling addiction behaviors, detect tampered identity documents, and improve overall compliance levels.
According to the Philippine Star, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco revealed at a budget hearing that the agency is evaluating several AI systems. These include electronic KYC (Know Your Customer) solutions that can identify forged or tampered identity documents, thereby reducing the risk of fraud and preventing minors from registering on gambling platforms.
In addition to identity verification, PAGCOR is also exploring technologies with behavior tracking capabilities. Such systems can monitor users' betting patterns in real time and identify signs of problem gambling behavior. If suspicious activities are detected, the platform may automatically trigger a "cooling-off period," i.e., temporarily freezing the user's account until further review is completed.
Meanwhile, the local digital advocacy group Digital Pinoys has launched a new online reporting tool. The public can use this feature to submit tips related to illegal online gambling, including celebrity endorsements or unauthorized social media advertisements. The reported information will be compared with a list of legally approved operators by PAGCOR to enable regulatory actions.
As the Philippine online gambling market continues to expand, regulatory challenges are also increasing. PAGCOR states that by introducing AI technology, it will more effectively enhance player protection, combat fraud, and maintain industry compliance, laying the foundation for sustainable development in the future.
