PAGCOR Plans December Launch for App Against Illegal Gambling

PAGCOR to launch a new mobile application

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the app will make it easier for players to distinguish legitimate operators from unauthorized ones, strengthening the agency’s efforts to protect the public from illegal online gambling.

“This platform will give players a reliable way to verify which online gaming platforms are licensed by PAGCOR. We want the public to make informed choices and avoid falling prey to illegal operators,” Mr. Tengco said.

The PAGCOR Board of Directors approved the app’s development and implementation on October 8, including a proposed partnership with Development Bank of the Philippines Data Center, Inc. (DCI) to develop, operate, and maintain the platform, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

DCI will handle the app’s development, hosting, operation, maintenance, and technical support at no cost to PAGCOR.

Before full-scale implementation, DCI must present a proof of concept for the app’s minimum viable product for PAGCOR’s evaluation and acceptance. The six-month assessment will cover the platform’s proposed features, system architecture, security controls, and overall feasibility.

PAGCOR may terminate the arrangement if DCI fails to address deficiencies identified during the evaluation period within a reasonable time.

The partnership will require compliance with applicable data privacy, cybersecurity and information security laws, including the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Data sharing and information security provisions will be incorporated in the terms or will be covered by a separate data-sharing agreement.

PAGCOR and CDCI partnership to run for five years

The partnership between PAGCOR and CDCI will run for five years and may be renewed upon mutual written agreement.

PAGCOR is also coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Telecommunications Commission and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center to strengthen efforts against illegal online gambling operators.