PAGCOR Targets December Launch of App to Verify Licensed Online Gambling Platforms

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is targeting December 2026 for the launch of a mobile application that will help players identify licensed online gaming platforms and avoid illegal gambling sites.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco Says a New Mobile App Is Expected to Help Players Verify Licensed Online Gaming Platforms and Avoid Illegal Gambling Sites.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the application would make it easier for users to distinguish authorized operators from unlicensed platforms, strengthening the agency's efforts to protect the public from illegal online gambling.

“This platform will give players a reliable way to verify which online gaming platforms are licensed by PAGCOR. We want the public to make informed choices and avoid falling prey to illegal operators,” Tengco said.

PAGCOR's board approved the application's development and implementation on October 8.

The approval included a proposed partnership with Development Bank of the Philippines Data Center Inc. (DBP Data Center, or DCI) to develop, host, operate and maintain the platform, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

Under the proposed arrangement, DCI will provide the development, hosting, operation, maintenance and technical support services at no cost to PAGCOR.

Before full implementation, DCI must present a proof of concept for a minimum viable product for PAGCOR's evaluation and acceptance. The six-month assessment will cover the proposed features, system architecture, security controls and overall feasibility of the application.

PAGCOR may terminate the arrangement if DCI fails to address deficiencies identified during the evaluation period within a reasonable time.

The partnership will require compliance with applicable data privacy, cybersecurity and information security laws, including the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Data-sharing and information-security provisions will be incorporated into the agreement or covered by a separate data-sharing agreement.

The proposed partnership will run for five years and may be renewed through mutual written agreement.

PAGCOR is also coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Telecommunications Commission and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to strengthen enforcement efforts against illegal online gambling operators.

The planned application builds on PAGCOR's existing efforts to help the public verify licensed gaming platforms.

In June 2025, the agency launched the PAGCOR Guarantee website, which allows users to check whether online gaming providers are authorized.

The new mobile application is intended to make this verification process more accessible, although its December launch remains a target rather than a confirmed release date.