Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts, and Manila Okada Hotel simultaneously issued a statement on July 12 in opposition to the total ban on online gambling in the Philippines. According to them, their online platforms comply with laws and regulations of PAGCOR, and their operations are legal.
The three companies insist that online gambling is just an extension of their physical casino business. They say they ensure responsible gaming, do not accept minors, are not open to foreign players, and are not involved in any illegal activity.
According to the statement, their platforms have:
Legal license from PAGCOR
Geofencing and IP filtering to block users outside the Philippines
KYC verification within 72 hours from registration
Anti-money laundering system and RNG-certified game data
Permission from ASC and PAGCOR for all ads and promotions
There are anti-addiction tools such as self-ban, limit reminders, and youth protection that are prohibited for those below 18 years old.
For security, they comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. They use encryption, access control, and server isolation to protect users' personal data. Employees have gaming licenses and regularly undergo compliance training.
Ultimately, the three companies said that a total ban would likely open up more black market operations. Many countries are opting for regulation over prohibition, as it does not effectively curb illegal gambling.
