STRONG PARTNERSHIP NEEDED TO CURB GAMBLING ADDICTION: TENGCO

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco today called for stronger collaboration among gaming industry stakeholders to mitigate risks associated with problem gambling and addiction.

Speaking at the 2nd International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Addiction in Quezon City, Mr. Tengco emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to curb the ill effects of problem gambling, including financial ruin.

“As regulators, policymakers, industry operators, healthcare professionals, and academicians, we must not only share knowledge but also act as partners in understanding, preventing, and reducing the threats posed by problem gambling,” Chairman Tengco told the conference attendees.

He said the event’s theme, “Empowering Pathways: Problem Gambling and Gaming Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery”, aligns with PAGCOR’s initiatives to promote responsible gaming.

Mr. Tengco reiterated PAGCOR’s commitment to mitigating gambling-related harm through key policies such as the automatic exclusion of minors, students, and active government employees from gaming venues.

He said that PAGCOR also has a Responsible Gaming Program that allows self- or family-initiated player exclusion; regulation of gaming advertisements; and partnerships with rehabilitation centers for affected individuals and families.

“Gaming has inherent social risks, but with the right safeguards and collaboration among all sectors, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our players,” Mr. Tengco said.