PAGCOR CEO stresses importance of effective regulatory enforcement against illegal gambling
Alejandro Tengco spoke at ICE Barcelona 2026.
The Philippines.- Alejandro H. Tengco, chairman and CEO at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has stressed the importance of effective regulatory enforcement to sustain growth in the online gaming sector. Speaking at ICE Barcelona 2026, Tengco said the rapid expansion of digital gaming has reshaped the industry, erasing borders and exposing regulatory gaps that traditional systems were not designed to manage.
“The greatest threat to both regulators and licensed operators is not higher standards,” he said during the speech in front of an international audience of regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. “It is the continued presence of illegal and unregulated actors that undermines trust and distorts competition.”
PAGCOR CEO cited the Philippines’ recent regulatory reset as an example of how jurisdictions can respond decisively to emerging risks. He pointed to the government’s decision to ban offshore gaming operators at the end of 2024 and a shift toward a more player-centric regulatory approach.
PAGCOR’s measures have included tighter know-your-customer and identity verification standards, mandatory responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion and betting limits, and stricter controls on gambling advertising to protect minors and vulnerable groups, Tengco said.
He said financial safeguards were strengthened through restrictions on certain payment channels and the introduction of a new minimum guaranteed fee for licensed online operators to ensure fair contribution to government revenues and promote transparency. “Regulation is not about avoiding discomfort,” said PAGCOR CEO. “It is about building a system that is resilient, accountable, and worthy of public trust.”
He also noted PAGCOR’s plans to decouple its regulatory and commercial functions, describing the reform as necessary to strengthen regulatory independence and align the Philippines with international best practices. “As PAGCOR transitions toward a purely regulatory role, our focus is to set clear rules, enforce them consistently, and create a gaming ecosystem that is fair, competitive, and resilient,” he said.
