The new chair of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the country’s gaming regulator, is looking to expand the gaming industry and build new partnerships within the sector to further boost gaming revenue which will support the government’s nation-building initiatives.
Expansion of the POGO Industry
To achieve that goal, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco wants to expand the activities covered by the controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), and also help Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs), domestic operators that offer online gambling, reach greater heights.
That’s despite the Philippines reportedly being included in China’s blacklist of countries that entice Chinese nationals to gamble. The country’s inclusion in the list stemmed from the operation of POGOs which have been catering to customers from China.
Tengco does not think a blacklist against the Philippines is in place, considering that the country was among those approved by the Chinese government for Chinese visitors when it re-allowed outbound trips in December 2022.
PAGCOR Also Banking on Korean Junkets
While Chinese visitor numbers are still struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels, South Korean numbers are recovering well, with plenty of South Korean visitors playing at junkets located in various integrated resorts in the country.
Tengco said PAGCOR will look at expanding Korean junket operations as part of changes to the country’s junket laws which will be implemented under his watch.
