PAGCOR Voids PHP 200M in Casino Winnings Claimed by Gov Officials

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has nullified over PHP 200 million (about $3.52 million) in casino winnings claimed by government officials and employees between January and July this year. The action could be seen as another step in the regulator’s attempts to stamp out illegal gambling.

PAGCOR Voids Illegal Winnings from Gambling

PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco stated that the winnings were withheld following a secondary verification process, which identified the claimants as individuals prohibited from entering casinos due to their roles in public service. This restriction covers all government personnel, including elected local officials and civil servants.

The enforcement follows public backlash after it was revealed that suspended Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Henry Alcantara had been frequently gambling in casinos. Alcantara admitted that he and fellow employees from the DPWH Bulacan office used fake names and IDs, and may have even been granted VIP access. PAGCOR has launched an investigation into these claims.

Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission has reminded government employees that gambling during work hours, whether in person or online, can be grounds for charges of conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service. Such actions may lead to disciplinary measures under existing civil service regulations.

PAGCOR Wants Stricter Regulations But Not Total Ban

The latest moves from PAGCOR could be seen as part of the broader vow to stop illegal gambling that Tengco reaffirmed last week. He also maintained this idea during the Light & Wonder Symposium at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City a couple of days ago. Tengco cautioned against a total iGaming ban in the Philippines, saying that PAGCOR supports stricter regulations but also that the organization is against a total ban of online gambling.

The speech comes at a time when the country is still dealing with the effects of iGaming in the wake of the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Financial institutions have begun to scale back their involvement with online gaming, while the Senate, under the leadership of committee chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo, is preparing to launch an investigation into the sector. A late August report revealed that online gaming activity in the Philippines may have dropped by as much as 50%, largely due to the recent withdrawal of several e-wallet providers from the industry.

Tengco emphasized that, through responsible growth, strict compliance, and greater transparency, the Philippines has the potential to build a safer, more robust, and globally competitive iGaming industry. He also highlighted PAGCOR’s ongoing efforts to enhance gaming standards, which include the implementation of stricter advertising regulations, among other initiatives.