A COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE GAMING
As a socially-responsive company, PAGCOR is committed to promote responsible gaming in all levels. We adhere to the fact that our establishments primarily exist for people to be entertained and to have fun. Playing in moderation is the key, and in recent years, we have staged major initiatives to avert gambling problems from happening, by instituting multiple programs of prevention and intervention.
PAGCOR is one of the principal supporters of the Philippine Foundation on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. (PFCGI), a not-for-profit organization which helps affected individuals regain normal lives by letting them undergo treatment. This is done through a full range of therapy sessions, spiritual counseling, stress relief, relapse prevention, and direct medical management.
“PAGCOR’s financial aid has helped us tremendously,” reveals PFCGI President, Dr. Jose Tojino. “We need funds to go on with our treatment program of our patients. And usually, we do it for free since some of our patients can’t afford to give anything due to the financial crisis they are having. PAGCOR’s support makes it all possible.”
A policy which has been in effect for a long time now in PAGCOR is the exclusion program where families can ask the casino to deny entry to their affected loved one for an indefinite period. Strict security measures are also in place to ensure that no minors and persons below 21 years of age are admitted to the casinos.
PAGCOR likewise takes the leadership position in promoting responsible gaming by prohibiting all its employees from engaging in all games of chance. It is continuously open to dialogue with the media, community groups, NGOs, the local governments and other organizations on how best to curb problem gambling.
Equally significant in PAGCOR’s thrust towards responsible gaming is the paradigm shift in the nature of its operations. From a place merely offering games of chance, PAGCOR casinos are now all-in-one entertainment meccas where people can relax, watch concerts, dance the boogie, and dine to their hearts’delight – thus giving guests a variety of options to choose from.
Compulsive gambling is a social issue that has plagued humankind for ages. PAGCOR believes that any effort to curb it needs sufficient research and an overall strategy coming from all sectors of society, particularly the decision-makers and everyone involved in the gaming industry.
