The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is taking a close look at new artificial intelligence tools that could transform how online gambling is monitored in the country.
Smarter ID Checks and Player Safety
At a recent House of Representatives budget hearing, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco said the agency is exploring AI powered e-KYC tools that can flag altered IDs. The plan is to reduce fraud and stop minors from entering online platforms with false credentials.
Beyond verifying identities, these systems are also being developed to track betting behaviour in real time. Unusual activity such as sudden spikes in wagers, marathon gaming sessions, or players draining their accounts repeatedly could lead to automatic cooling periods. In those cases, accounts would be paused until users provide a valid explanation to regulators.
Global Inspiration, Local Action
PAGCOR is studying how other countries have used similar technologies. In the United Kingdom, operators rely on algorithms that detect early signs of harmful gambling and send real time warnings. In Australia, systems highlight high risk players and encourage them to take breaks. In Sweden, flagged accounts can be suspended while users are guided toward self exclusion programs.
With more than 70 licensed online gaming platforms now operating, including BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and OKBet, the regulator is under pressure to tighten player protection. Online gaming revenue has surged to about 60 to 62 billion pesos this year, making up nearly two thirds of PAGCOR’s total earnings. Just a few years ago in 2021, the figure was around 6 billion pesos.
Balancing Growth and Responsibility
Regulatory tensions remain, particularly after the central bank instructed e-wallet firms to cut ties with gambling services, which at times caused a fifty percent drop in transactions. Even with these challenges, PAGCOR sees technology as a way to keep the market expanding while ensuring player protection is not overlooked.
Chairman Tengco emphasized that the agency wants to lead the charge in bringing AI solutions into local platforms. The goal is to build a safer online gaming environment while maintaining the sector’s strong growth momentum.
