The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has raised a red flag concerning the proliferation of illicit gambling websites targeting Philippine citizens. These rogue platforms are unlawfully utilizing PAGCOR’s seal of approval without authorization, deceiving the public into believing they are engaging with a licensed operator, when in fact, they are not.
PAGCOR’s Response:
In response to this emerging challenge, Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, has urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with these fraudulent operations. He emphasized the importance of verifying the licensure of online casinos before engaging with them. These misleading websites often lack adequate consumer protection standards and pose potential threats to individuals’ financial and personal information.
Tengco stated, “While we have successfully shut down many of these illicit websites, some are adept at quickly creating new ones. Hence, we need the cooperation and vigilance of the public to help us identify and eliminate these scammers.” PAGCOR has already initiated collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation, to track down these websites and curtail their access and exposure in the market.
Measures Taken:
To combat these illicit websites, PAGCOR has implemented various measures. One approach involves blocking specific payment methods and seeking website suspensions with the assistance of internet service providers (ISPs). However, these measures may have broader repercussions and challenges, as suspending payment systems or domain access can impact legitimate services.
An alternative, less restrictive measure is to create a landing page that warns consumers that the visited site is illegal and advises them not to proceed. While these actions have proven effective worldwide, achieving a lasting impact requires consistent efforts by PAGCOR and the government. Fraudulent websites often establish mirror domains to continue targeting consumers, as seen in Australia, where local regulators have suspended numerous websites and continue their efforts to suspend additional ones.
PAGCOR’s warning sheds light on the pressing issue of unlicensed gambling websites in the Philippines. Protecting consumers and upholding the integrity of the industry are paramount concerns. Public vigilance, collaboration with law enforcement, and the adoption of appropriate measures will play a crucial role in curbing this menace and ensuring a safer online gambling environment for all.