PAGCOR Reports Record 40,000 Gambling Exclusions in Six Months

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) is taking a much firmer stance on problem gambling, according to recent figures released by the agency. During the grand launch of the Kaban Hotel and Casino in Boracay on October 11, Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco revealed that 40,000 individuals have been added to the gambling exemption program in just six months. This represents a staggering increase from the mere 1,700 exclusions recorded prior to Tengco’s leadership. The surge highlights the rapid expansion of the regulator's responsible gaming initiative.

These developments occur even as PAGCOR faces the prospect of lower revenues for the current year. Nevertheless, the agency has made it clear that its social mandate takes precedence over fiscal gains. The exclusion program is designed to be comprehensive, covering all PAGCOR-licensed casinos, including traditional land-based venues and emerging online platforms. By centralizing the exclusion list, the regulator prevents banned individuals from simply moving their activities to another licensed operator within the jurisdiction.

Numbers and facts

A critical component of this success was the establishment of a dedicated 24/7 hotline in April. This service provides a direct channel for patrons and family members to seek information or assistance with exclusion applications. Once an application is approved, the resulting ban is enforced for a minimum of one year. This duration is intended to provide individuals with sufficient time to address their gambling habits away from the pressure of the casino environment.

Tengco noted that the agency continues to process a steady stream of new applications, suggesting that the numbers will likely continue to rise. A unique feature of the Philippine system is the family-initiated exclusion. This allows spouses, children, or parents to request an intervention if they believe a loved one is losing control over their gambling. It provides a vital safety net that can be activated before a situation reaches a crisis point.

"The results indicate that the system is working, although the agency continues to process additional applications. This method will allow people to get assistance without waiting for any gambling problems to escalate." - Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR

Background

The PAGCOR program offers various tiers for exclusion. Individuals can choose self-exclusion periods of six months, one year, or five years. Notably, the first six months of any self-imposed ban are irrevocable, ensuring that players cannot rescind their decision in a moment of impulse. For family-initiated bans, the available periods are six months, one year, or three years. Once the chosen period expires, the ban is automatically lifted, though it can be renewed if necessary.

To maintain the integrity of the system, PAGCOR requires rigorous identification, including government-issued IDs and recent photographs that meet specific criteria, such as a full-face view without hats or glasses. Beyond administrative measures, the regulator partners with accredited help centers. These include the Bridges of Hope Drugs and Alcohol Rehabilitation Foundation and Gamblers Anonymous Philippines. This holistic approach ensures that those who are excluded also have access to the psychological and social support needed for recovery.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the Philippine model offers an interesting comparison to the domestic OASIS system. While PAGCOR is celebrating 40,000 exclusions, Germany’s central database already manages a significantly larger number of entries due to its nationwide integration across all gambling forms under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). The Philippine approach of involving family members is mirrored in Germany’s third-party exclusion rules, though the legal hurdles for family members in Germany are often higher to protect individual rights.

German players benefit from even stricter safeguards, such as the cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and the mandatory five-second rule for virtual slots. The massive increase in Philippine exclusions serves as a reminder of the global importance of regulated markets. It underscores why German players should strictly avoid unregulated offshore sites from Curacao or Malta, which often lack the centralized exclusion mechanisms and strict oversight provided by the German Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL).

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For casinos operating under a GGL license, the success of exclusion programs like PAGCOR's emphasizes the importance of accessible player protection tools. German operators must ensure their systems are seamlessly connected to OASIS and the LUGAS monitoring system. Failure to correctly process a player’s self-exclusion or limit request can lead to immediate legal action and the potential loss of the operating license. The Philippine example shows that when regulators provide clear, 24/7 channels for help, player engagement with safety tools increases, which ultimately helps to stabilize the legal market and build public trust.