Philippines’ PAGCOR denounces disinformation on privatization plans

Jenny Ortiz February 15, 2024

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Philippines’ PAGCOR denounces disinformation on privatization plans

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the gaming regulatory body in the country, slammed the disinformation circulating online regarding the agency’s privatization plans.

In a press release, PAGCOR said that such moves cause undue demoralization among the agency’s employees.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco cited in particular a social media post by an employee, Gian Samson, who claimed that the agency plans to spend Php500 million (8.3 million Euros) to renovate its Casino Filipino branch in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“There is absolutely no truth to Mr. Samson’s allegations because the renovations will be fully shouldered by the lessor,” Tengco said in a statement.

“We do not own the building where [Casino Filipino] Angeles is located, that is why we made arrangements with the lessor to shoulder the renovation expenses because they are the property owner, and PAGCOR is just the lessee,” Tengco said.

Tengco added the same arrangement is being pursued for its Casino Filipino branch in Bacolod as part of the agency’s efforts to make casinos more attractive to customers.

Privatization of PAGCOR’s casino in the pipeline

Tengco said the privatization of PAGCOR’s casinos will start in the last quarter of 2025 at the earliest. He assured that the agency will give enough time to provide safety nets to those who will be affected.

Additionally, the PAGCOR Chairman debunked the claims that a total of 10,000 employees would lose jobs when the agency is privatized.

“That number is very misleading because the 10,000 employee count is our total workforce,” he said.

“We are not disbanding PAGCOR; we are only shedding off our casino operations but many workers will remain in regulatory, enforcement, monitoring, and electronic gaming licensing units, to name a few,” he added.

SiGMA Eurasia and SiGMA Africa – less than a month away

With less than a month until the highly anticipated SiGMA Africa event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11th of March, the gaming industry is abuzz with excitement. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Africa is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning gaming landscape. With the continent’s market poised for exponential growth, driven by a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and increasing mobile connectivity, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. By bringing together leading stakeholders and visionaries in gaming, SiGMA aims to catalyse progress and propel Africa towards a new era of prosperity and opportunity. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a landmark gathering of gaming enthusiasts and innovators in the vibrant city of Cape Town.

The fourth edition of?SiGMA Eurasia?will once again be held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Held between the 25 and 27 February 2024, the summit provides invaluable opportunities for attendees to network with industry professionals, gain exposure to the latest tech and innovations in the sector, meet key decision makers, and gain insight into new markets.??