The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has announced plans to set up a 24-hour problem gambling helpline in 2026. Many see this as a major step forward for the country’s growing gaming industry.
The new helpline will offer quick counseling and referral services to people harmed by gambling. This shows PAGCOR’s stronger focus on protecting consumers as Philippine online gambling grows rapidly.
Officials said the helpline will act as a safety net across the country, giving people round-the-clock access to trained staff who can guide them to recovery resources. This project is part of PAGCOR’s larger responsible gaming policy, which is more important now as digital platforms make gambling available to more Filipinos from different backgrounds.
Vina Claudette Oca, assistant vice president of PAGCOR’s gaming licensing and development department, announced the project at the Global Gaming Expo Asia in the Philippines in 2025. Oca described the helpline as a milestone for public trust and proof of PAGCOR’s commitment to balancing industry growth with responsibility.
“This is about giving people a lifeline when they need it most,” Oca said. She stressed that the service will help both online and land-based players. Oca also said the helpline will work together with current self-exclusion programs and counseling services, so people at risk get full support.
Industry experts say the timing of the helpline is important. The Philippines is one of Asia’s fastest-growing gambling markets, with much of the growth coming from online platforms. This boom has created jobs and increased government income, but it has also raised worries about addiction, especially among young people who use mobile betting apps.
Strengthening Safeguards Amid Digital Growth
The helpline was announced as PAGCOR increases its responsible gaming efforts. Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco shared new reforms at G2E Asia, including stricter payment rules, improved player protection, and tougher advertising standards.
- Payment Controls: Regulators ban credit cards and cryptocurrency for betting, and they impose stricter monitoring on e-wallets.
- Player Protection: Operators must set up self-exclusion programs and enforce betting limits.
- Advertising Oversight: PAGCOR is working with the Ads Standards Council to control gambling ads on all media, including billboards.
These steps are part of PAGCOR’s plan to bring the Philippine gaming industry in line with global standards and protect consumers in both casinos and the fast-growing online market.
Human Impact and Industry Context
For many Filipinos, gambling is a source of both fun and income. The industry brings in billions each year. However, the growth of online gambling has raised concerns about easy access and the risk of addiction.
The helpline is meant to make regulation more personal by giving people quick counseling, referrals, and advice on self-exclusion and recovery. This way, people get the support they need when it matters most. “This is about giving people a lifeline when they need it most,” Oca said, highlighting that the service will be available across the country for both online and land-based players.
Experts warn that without proper safeguards, at-risk players might use illegal offshore sites, which offer little protection. PAGCOR’s reforms, including the helpline, are designed to keep the market safe, legal, and supportive of jobs and government income.