The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) is strengthening player protection measures, including a 24/7 problem gambling helpline, as gaming becomes an increasingly important part of the country’s leisure and tourism industry.
PAGCOR Health Services and Wellness Department Officer-in-Charge Dr. Janice Saraza said the regulator is seeking to ensure that the growth of gaming is matched by stronger safeguards against gambling-related harm.
Speaking on behalf of PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco at the Health & Wellness Conference and Expo 2026, Saraza said gaming should be viewed as part of a broader entertainment and tourism ecosystem.
“The industry that we regulate is part of a much larger entertainment and tourism ecosystem,” Saraza said, noting that licensed integrated resorts attract visitors, create jobs, support businesses, and generate economic activity.
She said the expansion of gaming as a leisure and tourism product must be accompanied by measures that protect players and promote responsible participation.
One of PAGCOR’s key initiatives is the National Problem Gambling Helpline, a 24/7 service established in partnership with the Seagulls Flock Organization. It provides confidential counseling and professional referrals to people experiencing problem gambling.
The regulator is also linking the gaming industry’s economic contribution to broader social programs. PAGCOR revenues support government initiatives in healthcare, education, and social development, while partnerships with integrated casino licensees help fund hospitals, medical equipment, and healthcare services.
Saraza said these efforts are aimed at ensuring that gaming’s contribution to tourism and the wider economy is not separated from consumer protection.
The focus on safeguards comes as the Philippines expands its tourism offering beyond traditional destinations, with integrated resorts playing a growing role in leisure and entertainment and health and wellness emerging as another priority tourism segment.
For PAGCOR, the challenge is to support the industry’s economic contribution while ensuring that its expansion is accompanied by stronger responsible-gaming measures and accessible support for players who need help.
