The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) is targeting a December launch for a mobile application designed to help users identify licensed online gaming platforms, part of intensified efforts to combat illegal online gambling.

PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco said the app will strengthen 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,” Mr. Tengco said in a statement on Monday.

The application’s development and implementation were approved by the PAGCOR Board of Directors on Oct. 8, along with a proposed partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines Data Center, Inc. (DCI) to develop, operate, and maintain the platform.

“DCI will handle the app’s development, hosting, operation, maintenance, and technical support at no cost to PAGCOR,” the agency said.

Under the proposed arrangement, DCI must first present a proof of concept for the app’s minimum viable product for PAGCOR’s evaluation and acceptance before full-scale implementation can proceed. The six-month assessment will cover the platform’s proposed features, system architecture, security controls, and overall feasibility.

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

The proposed partnership between PAGCOR and DCI would run for five years and may be renewed upon mutual written agreement.

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

— Justine Irish D. Tabile, BusinessWorld

Source: PAGCOR sets anti-illegal gambling app launch for Dec.