The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has significantly enhanced its “Bingo for a Cause” program, offering local government units (LGUs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) an opportunity to raise more funds for their socio-civic initiatives. The newly revised program promises to channel a significant portion of proceeds from these gaming events into community-building projects, giving the participants not just an exciting gaming experience but a means to support noble causes.
Key Financial Benefits: A 50% Share of Proceeds
One of the most attractive features of the revamped “Bingo for a Cause” initiative is the ability for LGUs and NGOs to earn up to 50% of the total proceeds from PAGCOR-conducted bingo events. This enhancement is designed to maximize financial support for these entities, which often rely on external sources of funding to run their social programs. According to PAGCOR Assistant Vice President Maria Teresa Ocampo, this new system allows participating organizations to significantly boost their revenue through bingo events, depending on ticket sales.
“The revised bingo package will give our partners the option to sell tickets ranging from Php100 to Php1,000 each, depending on the package that they choose,” Ocampo explained. She emphasized that the potential earnings could be even higher, depending on the volume of ticket sales, giving LGUs and NGOs the flexibility to adapt their pricing to their target audience and fundraising goals.
The improved package is expected to attract a wider range of participants, as Ocampo pointed out that the various ticket pricing options offer more accessibility. From casual participants to more enthusiastic bingo players, everyone can contribute to raising funds for worthy causes while enjoying a fun and engaging game.
Supporting Socio-Civic Programs: A Win-Win Approach
PAGCOR’s “Bingo for a Cause” program isn’t just about raising funds—it’s also about building stronger communities. By encouraging LGUs and NGOs to organize these events, PAGCOR is empowering them to raise necessary funds while simultaneously fostering a sense of community among residents and participants. This approach aligns well with PAGCOR’s broader mandate to regulate gaming activities in the Philippines and ensure that proceeds are directed towards socially responsible endeavors.
Ocampo elaborated on the importance of the program, highlighting its dual purpose: “The ‘Bingo for a Cause’ project allows communities and organizations to enjoy the fun and thrill of bingo games in a lawful way while contributing to worthy causes.”
Through this initiative, PAGCOR ensures that the bingo events not only comply with legal regulations but also serve as a platform for raising funds that are crucial for socio-civic projects—whether it’s for building public infrastructure, supporting educational programs, or providing health services. This structured and legal approach helps safeguard communities from illegal gaming operations while offering a transparent means of supporting their needs.
Legal and Regulated: Bingo Events Must Be Authorized by PAGCOR
A key message in PAGCOR’s announcement is the reminder that all bingo events must be authorized by the organization. As the governing body responsible for regulating gaming activities in the Philippines, PAGCOR has the exclusive mandate to issue permits and licenses for bingo games.
“Like any game of chance, only PAGCOR has the mandate to authorize bingo activities. Hence, bingo games without PAGCOR’s permission are illegal,” Ocampo stated.
This reminder underscores the importance of ensuring that all fundraising activities involving games of chance, such as bingo, are conducted within the legal framework established by PAGCOR. This prevents the proliferation of illegal gaming operations, which could pose risks to both organizers and participants. By coordinating with PAGCOR, LGUs and NGOs can rest assured that their fundraising events are compliant with national regulations.
How LGUs and NGOs Can Participate in “Bingo for a Cause”
To get involved in the enhanced “Bingo for a Cause” program, LGUs and NGOs need to follow specific steps to coordinate with PAGCOR. This involves applying for authorization to hold bingo events and ensuring that all aspects of the event are in line with PAGCOR’s guidelines.
Participating organizations can benefit from PAGCOR’s support in marketing and organizing the events, which are tailored to meet the needs of the community and the goals of the fundraising efforts. With the option to choose ticket prices that suit their target audience, the flexibility in structuring the events makes it easier for different organizations to participate, regardless of their size or budget.
The 50% share of the proceeds ensures that the lion’s share of the funds raised goes directly to the organizations, allowing them to focus on making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Bingo: A Popular Fundraising Tool with a Community Focus
Bingo has long been a popular pastime in the Philippines, not just as a form of entertainment but also as a tool for fundraising. Its widespread appeal across different demographics makes it an effective way to bring people together for a common cause. The simplicity of the game, combined with its social nature, makes it a perfect activity for community events.
With the enhanced “Bingo for a Cause” program, PAGCOR is tapping into this cultural affinity for bingo to create a platform where people can contribute to their communities in a fun and meaningful way. The fact that the proceeds go towards socio-civic projects adds an extra layer of satisfaction for participants, knowing that they are helping to make a difference.
Expanding the Global Bingo Scene: Gala Bingo’s Partnership with Moonpig
While PAGCOR is enhancing its local bingo efforts, the global bingo scene is also seeing some exciting developments. In a move that highlights the ongoing evolution of the game, Gala Bingo has partnered with Moonpig, a UK-based greeting card company, to create a limited edition collection of greeting cards inspired by traditional bingo calls.
This collaboration reflects the playful and creative side of bingo, demonstrating how the game continues to inspire new forms of expression and engagement. The limited edition cards feature popular bingo calls such as “Two Little Ducks” (22) and “Legs Eleven” (11), offering bingo enthusiasts a fun way to celebrate their favorite game in their daily lives.
While this partnership might seem like a lighthearted addition to the bingo world, it serves as a reminder of the game’s lasting appeal and its ability to evolve in surprising ways. Bingo remains a beloved game not only in the Philippines but also around the world, and innovations like this keep the game fresh and engaging for new generations of players.
PAGCOR’s enhanced “Bingo for a Cause” program offers a unique and exciting way for LGUs and NGOs to raise funds for socio-civic projects. By offering up to 50% of the proceeds from these events, PAGCOR is providing a powerful tool for organizations to generate significant financial support while fostering community spirit.
The legal framework provided by PAGCOR ensures that these events are conducted safely and responsibly, making it easier for organizations to focus on their fundraising goals without the risk of legal complications. At the same time, participants can enjoy the thrill of bingo games, knowing that their contributions are making a real difference in their communities.
With bingo continuing to evolve both locally and globally, as seen in Gala Bingo’s partnership with Moonpig, the game shows no signs of losing its charm. For communities in the Philippines, the enhanced “Bingo for a Cause” program is a win-win, combining entertainment with a meaningful contribution to local development efforts.
For LGUs and NGOs interested in participating, PAGCOR’s program offers an exciting opportunity to engage their communities and support socio-civic projects. As more organizations get involved, the impact of this initiative is likely to grow, making bingo a key player in community development across the Philippines.