PAGCOR teams up with rehab centers to strengthen responsible gaming campaign
Mon | Mar. 5, 2018 | 9:00 AM
Casino patrons with gambling problems will now be given more options to seek professional help and start anew.
(L-R) Dr. Randy Dellosa of Life Change Recovery Center, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo, and Florencio “Benjo” Bernabe III of Bridges of Hope ink partnership to promote responsible gaming.The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) joined hands and signed Memoranda of Agreement with Bridges of Hope and Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) to strengthen PAGCOR’s responsible gaming campaign.
The Agreements include setting up responsible gaming programs with a referral system for professional assistance and services for clients who acknowledge the need for support in dealing with addiction to gaming.
Bridges of Hope and LCRC will provide life coaching, counseling, wellness, and in-house rehabilitation services to clients referred by PAGCOR.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo said this initiative will contribute significantly to the Corporation’s drive to strengthen the mental health and well-being of problem gamblers.
“If there are people who need these kinds of interventions, we will refer them to these institutions. Although we cannot totally stop gambling, we are here to regulate it, ensure fair play, and have a system of helping those who want to be helped,” Domingo said.
Meanwhile, Guillermo Gomez, Senior Program Director of Bridges of Hope expressed his appreciation of the partnership and commended PAGCOR on its initiative.
“Thank you very much for giving us this opportunity to help. This venture is actually a very brave, very arduous concept taken on by PAGCOR. Bridges of Hope is up to the challenge – to provide the necessary discernment before irresponsible gaming becomes an inflicted self-destruction,” he said.
Apart from said partnership, PAGCOR has also set up other services and support facilities to help prevent the ill-effects of gambling addiction. These services include a 24/7 hotline for casino clients and their families who want to seek help and an exclusion program for customers and their families as well. Anyone who needs assistance may call the Casino Filipino RG Helpline at (02) 521-0957 or send an email keepitfun@pagcor.ph.
PAGCOR also requires its licensees to establish their own gambling-related complaint resolution mechanisms to address gambling concerns.
The agency also strictly reinforces the limited access of minors, students, government officials and their families from gaming venues.