PAGCOR exclusion list reaches 40,000, Tengco says

PAGCOR has expanded its gambling exclusion programme to about 40,000 people over six months, up from roughly 1,700 before Alejandro Tengco became chairman and CEO, the regulator's chief said. Tengco gave the figures at the launch of Kaban Hotel and Casino in Boracay on 11 October, according to a report of his remarks.

Under the programme, an approved applicant is barred from entering or using PAGCOR-licensed casinos, both land-based and online. Applications can be made by patrons seeking to remove themselves from gambling, or by family members concerned that a relative may be developing problematic gambling behaviour. Once approved, the ban applies for at least one year and covers all PAGCOR-licensed casinos, including online platforms, so excluded individuals cannot move between licensed operators during the period.

PAGCOR opened a 24/7 hotline in April to support the exclusion programme, giving patrons and family members a direct channel for information and help with applications. Tengco said the results indicate the system is working and that the agency continues to process further applications, so more people could be added in the coming period. He said the one-year period is intended to give patrons time to address an actual or perceived gambling problem, and that the responsible gaming campaign and self-exclusion programme can help the gaming sector keep operating while reducing potential harm linked to gambling problems.

The figures were given as PAGCOR faces the prospect of lower revenue this year, the report said. The agency's exclusion list and the hotline remain part of its ongoing responsible gaming measures.