PAGCOR Calls for United Front Against Gambling Addiction

Gaming regulator stresses collaboration to combat gambling addiction and promote responsible play, safeguarding vulnerable individuals across the industry.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is intensifying its commitment to responsible gambling by advocating for a comprehensive, multi-sector approach to address gambling addiction. Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco highlighted this initiative during the 2nd International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Gaming Addiction held in Quezon City.

Tengco emphasized the necessity of collaboration among regulators, policymakers, industry operators, healthcare professionals, and academics to effectively mitigate the risks associated with problem gambling. He stated, “As regulators, policymakers, industry operators, healthcare professionals, and academicians, we must not only share knowledge but also act as partners in understanding, preventing, and reducing the threats posed by problem gambling.”

PAGCOR's Responsible Gaming Program includes several key initiatives:

• Automatic Exclusion Policies: Minors, students, and active government employees are automatically barred from entering gaming venues.

• Self-Exclusion Measures: Individuals, or their families, can request to be excluded from gaming establishments.

• Advertising Regulations: Strict guidelines are enforced to ensure that gaming advertisements do not target vulnerable populations.

• Partnerships with Rehabilitation Centers: Collaborations are established to provide support and treatment for individuals affected by gambling addiction

These measures align with PAGCOR’s broader strategy to foster a safe and responsible gaming environment. The agency's initiatives are part of a global trend where gaming regulators are adopting more proactive stances on responsible gambling.

The conference, themed “Empowering Pathways: Problem Gambling and Gaming Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery,” served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss and develop strategies aimed at preventing gambling-related harm. Tengco reiterated PAGCOR's dedication to these efforts, stating, “Gaming has inherent social risks, but with the right safeguards and collaboration among all sectors, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our players.”

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, PAGCOR's call for a unified approach underscores the importance of collective responsibility in promoting responsible gambling practices and protecting individuals from the adverse effects of gambling addiction.

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