Almost half of the Philippines’ 69 million-man working-age demographic has an online casino account, which is a massive rise from less than 500,000 users in 2018. However, such widespread interest in gambling with the Philippines comes at a risk.
Illegal operators would seek every possible legal crack, regulatory omission, or internet platform to exploit online gamers in the Southeast Asian nation. Enter to ensure sanity in the space, is the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), an agency which has strict requirements for online casinos under its jurisdiction.
This post reviews why paying attention to PAGCOR requirements matters when choosing a casino site in the Philippines.
Online Casinos and PAGCOR
In the third quarter of this year, the country’s gaming sector generated about PHP 94.51 billion (about $1.6 billion) in gross gaming revenue (GGR). Beyond that, platforms regulated by PAGCOR contributed PHP 41.95 billion during the period, the most from sub-sectors in the industry. The reason for this is because players trust them more than those who are not under legal regulation. Research shows that most players always check guides and reviews to see a list of casinos approved by PAGCOR before using any platform.
Additionally, the online casino space enjoyed a 17.4% year-on-year increase (from PHP 35.71 billion to PHP 41.95 billion), which further shows Filipino interest in online gambling is on the rise. Speaking about the figures amidst the commission’s interventions, a top PAGCOR official Alejandro Tengco remarked, “The figures reflect an industry that is adjusting to necessary safeguards. The delinking of e-wallets resulted in a short-term decline in activity toward the latter part of the quarter. However, these measures are vital to protect players and ensure secure, transparent transactions,” he further explained.
Why You Should Choose a PAGCOR-Licensed Casino
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was established nearly five decades ago to stop the spread of illegal casinos. For those curious about why choosing a PAGCOR-licensed casino is crucial. Here are some major considerations.
Secure and Convenient Payments
PAGCOR-Licensed casinos stand out with convenient features and processes in practically every aspect of their operations. As igaming expert Demetris Jast confirmed, “whether you’re making deposits, withdrawing wins, or navigating the platform, expect a user-friendly environment when using a PAGCOR-licensed gambling site in the Philippines.”
They provide secure payment platforms that make deposits or withdrawals seamless. Also, modern casinos in this jurisdiction use SSL encryption, which secures your personal and financial information. While online casinos incorporate AI systems to provide better personalized services to users globally, Filipino casino operators are latching onto the latest accessible technologies so users can enjoy a wholesome gaming experience.
So users can enjoy the best hitch-free experience, PAGCOR-regulated operators allow users to make deposits or withdrawals through swift and seamless banking options like credit/debit cards, prepaid cards, electronic wallets, and cryptocurrencies.
With such flexibility, players are less likely to find their preferred payment option at any PAGCOR-regulated casinos. However, players would do well to study the accompanying payment conditions so they know what to expect. For instance, consider checking the transaction speed and fees connected to each method to avoid any unpleasant surprises in future.
Promotional Offers
Operators under PAGCOR offer abundant promotions and bonuses, including free spins, cashback, loyalty points, matched deposit bonuses, etc. These exciting freebies ensure players can explore the high-end games, with or without making real-money commitments.
Due to PAGCOR’s supervision, the bonuses have transparent and easy-to-understand terms and conditions. They also have achievable wagering requirements, which makes them playable for anyone.
Robust Game Library
Thomas Jefferson, America’s third president, once said, ‘‘I’m a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” Like his quote implies, getting the best games becomes easier after the hard work of finding a PAGCOR-licensed operator.
If you choose a casino regulated by PAGCOR, you’ll enjoy world-class games from top gaming software providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and NetEnt. Among other things, every game from these excellent software development companies have stunning visuals and engaging graphics.
Dedicated Customer Service
Operators under PAGCOR have highly efficient customer support teams that operate round-the-clock. Here, the average operator has up to three distinct avenues of communication: email, live chat, and phone.
Phone calls might not be recommended due to the inherent costs. But, users can also leverage the lightning-fast responses from both email and live chat channels.
Conclusion
Casinos under PAGCOR offer secure payment options, bountiful promotional offers, robust game libraries, and excellent customer support structures. Add all those to responsible gaming features, and it’s easy to see why playing at only PAGCOR-licensed casinos is non-negotiable for Filipinos.
If you’re wondering about how to verify our platform’s authenticity, visit its “About Us” section to seek relevant licensing data. Otherwise, you can check the bottom of the online casino page for evidence of links to PAGCOR to ensure you’re in a safe online space.