State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said Thursday it put in place a new regulatory framework as part of the government’s intensified campaign to check illegal activities being linked to offshore gaming operations in the country.
Under the new framework which has been in effect since July 2023, all licensees and service providers were declared under probationary status and were directed to re-apply until Sept. 17, 2023.
“In the present framework, all service providers who are accepting bets are required to apply for a license. We will also evaluate the beneficial owners of these companies so that they will be held liable in case they are found to be involved in any illegal activity,” PAGCOR assistant vice president for offshore gaming licensing Atty. Jessa Fernandez said in a Senate hearing on Aug. 2, 2023.
She said entities with findings of activities outside their granted license or accreditation would not be granted a license under the new framework.
She warned that “licensees or service providers who shall not re-apply or were granted license within the given period shall be endorsed for cancellation.”
Fernandez said that aside from implementing a new regulatory framework for offshore gaming, PAGCOR was working closely with other government and law enforcement agencies for the setting up of offices inside an accredited hub.
PAGCOR instituted reforms that would impose stricter sanctions on all erring licensed offshore gaming operators and accredited service providers, she said.
Among other reforms that are now in effect are the intensified inspection and verification of compliance of offshore gaming licensees and service providers; submission of reports to enforcement agencies for investigation and verification of findings; enhanced coordination with relevant government agencies; and stricter implementation of regulations and imposition of heavy penalties to licensees and services providers who violated existing regulations.