In the statement released on September 12, 2023, Philippine gaming regulatory body Pagcor warned the public about the rising number of suspicious gambling websites in the country using the regulator’s logo without authorization. The exclusive Philippine gaming authority, stated that the websites using the regulator’s credentials without permission intend to ”mislead the public that their activities are connected with licensed offshore gaming in the Philippines,” as GGRAsia reports.

Fake Sites Using Old Pagcor’s Logo:

The same source reports that the chairman and chief executive of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), Alejandro Tengco, advised the public to be cautious in their online gambling activities. According to GGRAsia, Tengco stated that gamblers should “exercise caution” when accessing the websites with the old Pagcor’s logo as these may represent a risk to personal and financial information about the visitor. The regulator reportedly referred to the web pages using its old logo as ” fake sites” and suggested that these be avoided.

As reported, Pagcor has been using a new corporate logo since July 2023 but not all customers seem aware of the difference. “So far, we have been able to shut down most of these illicit websites, but some of them are able to immediately create new ones so we really need the public’s cooperation and vigilance to help us weed out these scammers,”Tengco reportedly stated.

Customer Protection Measures:

The Pagcor chairman reportedly informed the public that this gaming authority is taking all necessary steps to protect customers from the online fraud. As reported by GGRAsia, Tengco stated that Pagcor is“continuing engagement with law enforcement agencies and electronic payment service providers to explore the possibility of blocking payments made to and from illegal gambling websites.”

Tengco reportedly also said that such an approach has proven effective in the U.S. and Singapore, and added:“In coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission, we will also continue to follow up on illegal sites that have not been blocked or taken down.”

Call To Report Fake Sites:

The statement of the Pagcor chief is included in the Pagcor’s statement released on September 12, when the regulator referred to the public with an urgent suggestion that “any unauthorised use” of its logo be immediately reported, as well as any “misrepresentation of accreditation,” as GGRAsia reports.

The authority also advised that all those that gamble through online platforms should check the Pagcor’s official website for the existing list of the authorized Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) for security purposes. Gamblers were also instructed to “to immediately report any illegal offshore gaming operations.”

Pagcor Interested in Gambling Market Safety:

The misuse of the old Pagcor’s logo and the regulator’s call on the public to avoid the fraud comes at the time when all gaming operators and providers connected with POGOs are expected to apply for the renewal of their gaming licenses with Pagcor. The deadline for application is September 17 and the regulator is highly interested to make the market safe and secure in the upcoming license period.

Last but not the least, Pagcor seems decisive to prevent any criminal activities in the jurisdiction after recent allegations that some licensees have reportedly been involved in such activities.