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PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco is pushing for stricter online gambling regulations instead of a total ban.
PAGCOR’s (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) Tengco spoke at the Light & Wonder iGaming Symposium at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on Monday (September 8), arguing that regulations will have a more optimal effect on online gambling than a straightforward ban. He claimed that simple prohibition would only drive operations underground and onto the illegal market, removing a much-needed source of tax revenue.
In particular, Tengco advocated for reforms put together and implemented by PAGCOR, which include reducing license fee rates among other policies. This has led to consistent growth in the e-gaming sector, rising by 100 billion Php ($1.8 billion). That accounts for nearly half of the industry’s total revenue.
“The iGaming story in the Philippines is no longer just about growth,” Tengco said. “It’s about how we grow: safely, fairly, and sustainably. We support stricter regulations to protect our people, but we are against a total ban, which will only drive players to illegal operators and result in loss of revenues and jobs.”
The practicalities of PAGCOR’s online gambling reforms
Other reforms put into action by PAGCOR include separating regulatory and operational functions, implementing stronger responsible gaming safeguards, advocating for stricter advertising standards, the upcoming launch of a 24/7 helpline for those most vulnerable, and the adoption of digital tools such as the PAGCOR Guarantee portal and AI-driven monitoring systems.
Speaking to various industry stakeholders, Tengco highlighted the importance of what he described as “compliance by design” in the sector’s operations. Companies must follow anti-money laundering regulations, strengthen their KYC (Know Your Customer) guidelines, and fully support PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming initiatives.
“With responsible growth, compliance, and transparency, the Philippines can develop a safer, stronger, and globally competitive iGaming industry,” he added.
Featured image: PAGCOR
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A New South Wales police officer has been found to have sold more than AUD 1.3 million in family gold bars to support his gambling addiction.
Australia’s Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) uncovered a NSW police officer who has sold more than AUD 1.3 million ($860,000) to support his gambling addiction. The officer was found to have engaged in serious misconduct after taking 12 gold bars, each weighing 50 ounces, from his family. They belonged to his uncle and were being stored beneath his mother’s house.

“Gambling harm doesn’t just drain bank accounts, it can drive desperate people into crime.” – Brendan Thomas, AUSTRAC CEO

The officer went on to falsify forms to sell the bars to two separate dealers, claiming the gold was a family gift or inheritance. He used the funds from the sales to gamble on sports betting apps, later admitting to the false information.
Intelligence from the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) first triggered the investigation (dubbed Operation Dartmoor), with suspicious transactions flagged. Specifically, the gold sales flagged potential money laundering links.
The impact of gambling addiction
Operation Dartmoor has led to the officer’s resignation from the NSW Police Force, with further investigation planned by the Department of Public Prosecutions. AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said the case has underlined the criminal risks facing the bullion sector.
“Gambling harm doesn’t just drain bank accounts, it can drive desperate people into crime,” Thomas said. “When gambling turns to addiction, people often look for fast money and that can mean stealing, fraud or money laundering.
“Bullion is portable, valuable and attractive to people wanting to use it illegitimately. If you trade in bullion, you are part of the front line in stopping its exploitation.
“Your AML/CTF controls are the difference between being a trusted dealer or a weak link for crime. Every transaction is a potential red flag – it’s your responsibility to look twice, and if needed, report it.”
AUSTRAC regulates gold and bullion dealers, tracking potentially suspicious transactions like those flagged above. From July 1, 2026, the organization will also include dealers in precious metals and stones in its operations.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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