The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) responsible for the regulation, operation, and development of the Philippine gaming industry. It was created on March 21, 1976, through Presidential Decree No. 1067, and has been instrumental in the growth and development of the Philippine tourism industry.
Over the years, PAGCOR has undergone significant changes, adapting to the dynamic gaming landscape. It started with a limited number of casinos and has since expanded to include various forms of gambling, such as e-games, poker, and sports betting. The organization’s evolution reflects the growth of the gaming industry in the Philippines.
PAGCOR Mandate
PAGCOR’s mandate is to:
- Promote and regulate the Philippine gaming industry
- Generate revenues for the government
- Contribute to the development of the Philippine tourism industry
- Help alleviate poverty
PAGCOR’s Regulatory Framework
PAGCOR operates within a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure the integrity and transparency of the gaming industry in the Philippines. This framework includes the following components:
- Licensing and Compliance
- Anti-Money Laundering
- Player Protection
- Technological Advancements
Gaming Products
PAGCOR offers a wide variety of gaming products, including:
- Casino games, such as baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, and slots
- Bingo
- Poker
- Sports betting
- Online gaming
Casinos
PAGCOR operates 16 casinos in the Philippines, including:
- Casino Filipino Angeles
- Casino Filipino Tagaytay
- Casino Filipino Bacolor
- Casino Filipino Iloilo
- Casino Filipino Cebu
- Casino Filipino Davao
- Casino Filipino Palawan
- Casino Filipino Cagayan de Oro
- Casino Filipino Zamboanga
- Casino Filipino Tagbilaran
- Casino Filipino Butuan
- Casino Filipino Pagadian
- Casino Filipino Puerto Princesa
- Casino Filipino Dumaguete
- Casino Filipino Tacloban
- Casino Filipino Ozamiz
Related:Differences between PAGCOR and POGO
Online Gaming
PAGCOR also offers online gaming through its website pagcor.ph Online gaming products offered by PAGCOR include:
- Casino games
- Bingo
- Poker
- Sports betting
Regulation
PAGCOR is responsible for regulating the Philippine gaming industry. This includes licensing and inspecting gaming operators, ensuring that they comply with all applicable laws and regulations. PAGCOR also conducts investigations into suspected illegal gaming activities.
Responsible Gaming
PAGCOR is committed to promoting responsible gaming. This includes providing information about the risks of gambling and offering support to problem gamblers. PAGCOR also has a self-exclusion program that allows individuals to ban themselves from entering PAGCOR casinos.
Contribution to the Philippine Tourism Industry
PAGCOR is a major contributor to the Philippine tourism industry. The corporation’s casinos are a major tourist attraction, and they generate billions of pesos in revenue each year. PAGCOR also invests in the development of tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and resorts.
Help Alleviate Poverty
PAGCOR’s revenues are used to fund various social programs, including education, healthcare, and housing. These programs help to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for Filipinos.
PAGCOR is a vital part of the Philippine economy. The corporation generates billions of pesos in revenue each year, which is used to fund various social programs. PAGCOR also plays a major role in the development of the Philippine tourism industry. The corporation’s casinos are a major tourist attraction, and they generate billions of pesos in revenue each year. PAGCOR is also committed to promoting responsible gaming and helping to alleviate poverty.