The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has launched a 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline (NPGH) as part of its efforts to strengthen responsible gaming measures and enhance player protection.
The hotline, established in partnership with Seagulls Flock Organization Inc. (SFO), will provide confidential support services by connecting individuals experiencing gambling-related problems with trained counselors.
During the launch ceremony, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, in a keynote speech read by Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations Daniel Cecilio, said the initiative underscores the regulator’s commitment to maintaining a humane and accountable gaming industry.
“This National Problem Gambling Helpline that we are launching today reflects PAGCOR’s commitment to ensure that the gaming industry remains productive, well-governed, humane, and accountable,” Tengco said.
He noted that while gaming serves as a form of leisure and recreation for many people, it can also lead to serious personal and financial consequences for others. “For some, what may start as entertainment can gradually lead to financial strain and ruin, emotional distress, damaged relationships, and isolation,” he said.
Tengco also highlighted the role of SFO in supporting mental health and addiction recovery programs, citing the organization’s experience in counseling, behavioral wellness, and social support services.
“Through the dedication of their psychologists, counselors, social workers, researchers, and advocates, they have helped many individuals rebuild their lives,” Tengco said. “You bring to this partnership not only expertise, but genuine compassion and a firm belief that people can recover, heal, and start again.”
SFO Chairperson Teresita “Chit” Castillo said the helpline will concentrate on providing guidance, initial assessment or triage, and sustained support, while ensuring that cases are handled through proper referral systems for crisis situations, as reported by Inquirer.net.
She noted that the initiative helps connect regulatory efforts with clinical, evidence-based services such as counseling, as well as referrals to treatment and rehabilitation facilities, so individuals affected by gambling-related harm can receive appropriate care and assistance.
Currently, the program employs 12 para-counselors who operate on a three-shift schedule each day.
Castillo said she hopes to expand the team in the future to better accommodate the growing number of people needing help for gambling addiction.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has earlier acknowledged the increasing issue of online gambling addiction among Filipinos. He said the government is addressing the concern through stricter oversight from PAGCOR and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, including steps like limiting gambling access within mobile payment applications.
Still, the president has not provided updates on the proposed multi-stakeholder “conclave” aimed at forming a comprehensive online gambling policy, and has remained cautious about calls for a total ban despite pressure from groups such as the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has labeled online gambling a “moral and social crisis,” warning that it acts like a “newest virus” that harms individuals, families, and society as a whole.
