PAGCOR plans to bar new Pogo hubs in the Philippines and eventually outlaw the facilities, according to a media report citing chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco. Tengco said the regulator would issue stronger guidelines to improve monitoring and responses to offshore gambling activity.
Operators in the Philippines face proposed restrictions on opening Pogo hubs and stronger oversight of offshore gambling activity.
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PAGCOR will require four integrated resorts in Manila's Entertainment City to begin converting gaming tables to smart-table technology from 1 January 2027. Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the initial requirement covers City of Dreams Manila, Okada Manila, Newport World Resorts and Solaire Resort Entertainment City, with baccarat tables first; the deadline is to start conversion, not complete it.
PAGCOR chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco said the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations was expected to endorse PAGCOR’s proposed separation from Casino Filipino before the proposal goes to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for consideration. Tengco also said PAGCOR planned to launch an app in the fourth quarter to help players identify legitimate online gaming platforms.
Reportedly, PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco wants an online gaming law enacted during his term. He discussed the goal in an interview at the IAG EXPO.
Reportedly, PAGCOR’s Alejandro Tengco provided an update on separating its regulatory and operating roles. The outlet covered the subject in the opening instalment of a four-part video interview.
Philippine gambling revenue fell 20% to P88bn in the second quarter, according to figures presented at the Inside Asian Gaming Academy Summit. PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco said technology creates opportunities as well as regulatory challenges; the regulator is considering separating its regulatory and commercial functions and has introduced online licence verification measures.