The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a severe warning to the public regarding fraudulent offers being made by operators claiming to hold fake offshore gaming licenses. This alert highlights a specific deceptive scheme that underscores the regulator’s intensified efforts against illegal operations in the Philippines.

PAGCOR’s warning targets offers from operators presenting fake offshore gaming licenses. The regulator has identified a particular fraudulent scheme involving Lucky 7 Bingo Corporation, an entity that legitimately holds an E-Games venue license. However, this company has reportedly been engaging in contract agreements with individuals under the guise of offering “guidance and support to potentially earn Php50,000 through the Lucky 7 Bet Lottery Platform.” As part of this bogus agreement, bettors are reportedly required to make an upfront initial cash deposit of Php3,000. PAGCOR has confirmed that the license referenced in these agreements is a fake offshore gaming license, emphasizing that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) have been officially banned in the country since the end of 2024.

Calls for Vigilance and Due Diligence

Atty Jessa Fernandez, Head of PAGCOR’s Offshore Gaming and Licensing Department, issued a strong warning. As reported by iGaming Times, Fernandez urged the public to “remain vigilant and always verify the legitimacy of a PAGCOR-licensed gaming entity before entering into any agreements or making any form of payment.” She stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that “The license presented in said agreements is fake, and any engagement based on it is fraudulent,” and strongly advised the public to “exercise due diligence when engaging with entities claiming to be PAGCOR-accredited.” PAGCOR has previously issued warnings regarding the proliferation of fake websites and fraudulent messages on platforms like Viber that impersonate PAGCOR officials, demonstrating a pattern of such deceptive practices.

Broader Context of Responsible Gaming and Enforcement

Alongside this specific warning, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, who spoke at the recent International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Addiction in the Philippines (held yesterday, May 19), reiterated PAGCOR’s commitment to mitigating gambling-related harm through various policies. These policies include the automatic exclusion of minors, students, and active government employees from gaming venues, the implementation of PAGCOR’s self-exclusion program, and the regulation of gambling advertisements. Tengco stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that while “Gaming has inherent social risks,” with the right safeguards and collaboration among all sectors, player safety and well-being can be ensured. He also conveyed, as reported by iGaming Times, that “As regulators, policymakers, industry operators, healthcare professionals, and academicians, we must not only share knowledge but also act as partners in understanding, preventing, and reducing the threats posed by problem gambling.”

In conclusion, PAGCOR’s stern warning against fraudulent offshore gaming licenses, particularly highlighting the Lucky 7 Bet Lottery Platform scheme, underscores the regulator’s intensified efforts to combat illegal operations and protect the public. The message from Chairman Tengco reinforces PAGCOR’s commitment to responsible gambling policies and multi-sector collaboration in safeguarding players amidst the ongoing POGO ban and wider efforts to regulate the Philippine gaming landscape. This warning serves as a crucial reminder for the public to exercise caution and verify legitimacy in the face of increasingly sophisticated fraudulent schemes.