The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation warned the public on September 12, 2023 against websites using the PAGCOR logo without permission to mislead people into thinking their activities are connected with licensed offshore gaming in the Philippines1. Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the public should exercise caution when accessing such sites1.
Tengco said PAGCOR has endorsed the results of its investigation and monitoring of dubious websites to the Philippine National Police, the Department of Information and Communication Technology and the National Bureau of Investigation for proper action1. He said most of the illicit sites have been shut down, but that some operators immediately create new ones1.
"So far, we have been able to shut down most of these illicit websites, but some of them are able to immediately create new ones so we really need the public's cooperation and vigilance to help us weed out these scammers"
Tengco said PAGCOR is in continuing engagement with law enforcement agencies and electronic payment service providers to explore the possibility of blocking payments made to and from illegal gambling websites, which he said has been proven effective in the US and Singapore1. He said PAGCOR will continue to follow up, in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission, on illegal sites that have not been blocked or taken down, and raised the option of a landing site that redirects bettors to a warning page1.
Atty. Jessa Fernandez, PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for the Offshore Gaming Licensing Department, called on the public to report any unauthorized use of the PAGCOR logo or misrepresentation of accreditation1. She urged the public to check PAGCOR's list of licensees before accessing such sites, and gave the POGO Hotline, 09278098610, and the PAGCOR contact page as reporting channels1.
What it means for players
The warning concerns sites that display the PAGCOR logo without permission, so a logo on a gambling site is not by itself proof that the operator is licensed in the Philippines. PAGCOR's own guidance is to check its published list of approved Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators before accessing a site, and to report suspected illegal offshore gaming operations or misuse of its logo through the POGOR Hotline or its contact page1. This applies to anyone gambling online in the Philippines, whether resident or visiting, and to players elsewhere who are shown sites claiming a Philippine license.
What happens next
PAGCOR said it will keep working with law enforcement agencies and electronic payment service providers on the possibility of blocking payments to and from illegal gambling websites, and will continue, with the National Telecommunications Commission, to follow up on illegal sites that have not been blocked or taken down1. It also raised a landing site to redirect bettors to a warning about illegal sites as another option1. No dates were given for any of these steps1.
For background on identifying these sites, see fake casino and betting operator websites, how to spot a scam gambling site and how to check a PAGCOR gaming license. General reporting routes are set out in gambling scams and safety in Asia and gambling scams in the Philippines.
