PAGCOR targets December 2026 launch of app against illegal online gambling

PAGCOR plans to launch a mobile application in December 2026 that will help players identify authorised online gaming platforms and avoid illegal gambling sites. The regulator's board approved the development and implementation of the application on 8 October, including a proposed partnership with Development Bank of the Philippines Data Center, Inc. (DCI).

PAGCOR chairman and chief executive Alejandro H. Tengco said the app would make it easier to distinguish legitimate operators from unauthorised ones, strengthening the regulator's work to protect the public from illegal online gambling. Under the proposed partnership, DCI would handle development, hosting, operational management, maintenance and technical support at no cost to PAGCOR, in line with applicable laws and regulations.

Before wider rollout, DCI must present a minimum viable product (MVP) to PAGCOR for evaluation and approval. The six-month evaluation period will cover the platform's proposed features, system architecture, security measures and overall feasibility. PAGCOR may end the agreement if DCI does not resolve deficiencies identified during the evaluation within a reasonable time.

The partnership must comply with applicable rules on personal data protection, cybersecurity and information security, including the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Data-sharing and information-security provisions will be included in the agreement's terms or handled through a separate data-sharing agreement. The collaboration will run for five years and may be renewed by written agreement between the parties.

PAGCOR said it is also coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Telecommunications Commission and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center to strengthen efforts against illegal online gambling operators.