The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has announced details of a new regulatory framework for offshore gaming licensees.
Effective since last month, the new framework is part of inter-agency efforts to tackle illegal offshore activities in the country.
The stand-out measure is that all licensees and service providers are declared probationary. They will need to re-apply for approval from Pagcor before a cut-off date of 17 September this year.
Operators and providers that have been operating illegally will not be considered for a new licence.
“In the present framework, all service providers who are accepting bets are required to apply for a licence,” Pagcor’s assistant vice-president for offshore gaming licensing, Jessa Fernandez, said.
“We will also evaluate the beneficial owners of these companies so that they will be held liable in case they are found to be involved in any illegal activity.
“Entities with findings of activities outside their granted licence..