‘Big 3’ casino operators reaffirm ‘responsible’ gaming
The country’s three largest integrated resort-casino operators on Sunday affirmed their continued commitment to comply with laws and regulations, asserting that they operate “with the highest standards of integrity, transparency.”
Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts and Okada Manila issued the joint statement amid growing public concern about online gaming in the country and its ruinous effects on the poor and the youth.
They said their online gaming operations are “a regulated and responsibly managed extension of our operations—designed to complement our primary offerings.”
“We prioritize ethical business practices and promote responsible gaming, under the robust regulation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor),” they said.
“[W]e have consistently adhered to strict responsible gaming principles. These principles have seamlessly extended into all facets of our online gaming platforms, reflecting our unwavering dedication to regulatory compliance and ethical operations,” they added.
‘Minors strictly prohibited’
The casino-resort operators maintained that they hold all necessary licenses and accreditations from Pagcor, “meeting stringent legal requirements for gaming operators and system administrators.”
“Our platform adheres rigorously to (antimoney laundering) regulations. We implement comprehensive Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures and player verification within 72 hours of registration, ensuring the integrity of our operations and safeguarding players,” they said.
“We actively promote responsible gaming through tools such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, and account restrictions. We strictly prohibit minors from accessing our platform through our stringent age-gating system and verification. We likewise offer resources for individuals seeking assistance with gambling-related issues,” they added.
The operators said they also enforce Pagcor’s geographic restrictions, employing advanced geo-fencing and IP-filtering technologies to prevent player registration and betting from outside the Philippines.
Raising the alarm
Lawmakers and Church leaders have raised the alarm on gambling addiction, citing an uptick in cases where e-games depleted savings of ordinary Filipinos and pushed families into financial ruin.
Lawmakers have filed several bills ahead of the formal opening of the 20th Congress to either impose a total ban on e-gambling or limit public access by prohibiting the use of e-wallets for betting and raising the age limit from 18 to 21 years old.
More than 70 gaming platforms are legally registered with Pagcor, according to its data.
The regulator’s chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco has called for restrictions rather than an outright ban on online gambling, citing the industry as a key source of government revenues which, last year, had contributed as much P48.79 billion.
President Marcos at that time banned Philippine offshore gaming operators linked to Chinese crime syndicates operating in the Philippines.
Meanwhile support groups for gambling addicts have surfaced on Facebook and Reddit in recent months, posting about the impact of gambling on their relationships, finances and mental health.
Ads for online gambling platforms are everywhere, from TikTok and Facebook feeds to massive billboards along the busiest highways featuring some of the country’s most popular celebrities.
$1B investment
The operators said all their gaming equipment and games undergo rigorous evaluation and receive approval from Pagcor prior to deployment, adding that Certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) are used to ensure fairness and transparency.
“Our promotional materials undergo thorough review and approval from Pagcor and the Advertising Standards Council, ensuring ethical communication and social responsibility,” they said.
They added that routine audits of their gaming systems, transaction records and compliance procedures reinforce their accountability and integrity.
“[W]e are steadfast in our commitment not only to comply with regulatory standards but to exceed expectations … our unwavering dedication to integrity and responsible gaming remains at the forefront of everything we do,” they said.
Each of the operators has invested at least $1 billion “to help the country boost its tourism industry by providing the public with exceptional and holistic leisure experience that spans not only casinos, but also hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, live performances, and family entertainment.”
Jobs for Filipinos
The developments and operations of the four Entertainment City integrated resorts have created jobs for 130,905 Filipinos over the years. At present, they have 25,939 direct and 5,049 indirect employees.
They said their properties collectively attract over 2 million tourist visits annually, contributing significantly to local economic activity and the growth of the Philippine tourism sector.
“Our integrated resorts are also mandated to allocate 2 percent of our gross gaming revenues from non-junket tables for development projects donated by our respective foundations to support cultural heritage, educational, and health initiatives,” the operators said. —WITH A REPORT FROM INQUIRER RESEARCH
