Salceda: PAGCOR earns more from fewer offshore gaming licenses

Lawmakers applauded the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for reforming the offshore gaming industry, in spite of certain senators’ demands for a total ban.

Despite issuing fewer licenses, PAGCOR was able to collect 71% more revenue from new Internet gaming licensees (IGLs) in 2023 than from the previous POGO system in 2022, according to House Representative Joey Salceda, the head of the Ways and Means Committee.

Salceda applauded PAGCOR for enforcing stricter regulations, stating that they “changed the landscape” by eliminating dishonest players and guaranteeing that offshore gaming develops into a “controlled but contributory sector.”

The amount received from 87 IGLs in 2023 (Php5.1 billion) is a significant improvement above the Php2.99 billion from 158 POGOs in 2022, according to data. Salceda supports this tactic and advocates for improved licensing and tougher enforcement as opposed to a total company collapse.

Additionally, he saw a change in the labor force: although indirectly supporting 25,000 Filipino jobs, IGLs directly employ about 8,500 Chinese workers, compared to the previous 200,000 under POGOs.

Salceda claimed that PAGCOR should be given more credit for its initiatives to improve the company and develop a more resilient business plan.

Original Story by: Inside Asian Gaming