Thu | 12.5.2019 | 5:00 PM

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo delivers her keynote message to the participants of the first Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in the Philippines, which kicked-off on December 3, 2019.

PAGCOR Chairman Andrea Domingo, President and COO Alfred Lim and PAGCOR Director Reynaldo Concordia take time to visit G2E Philippines' exhibit booths.

Despite the stormy weather during the Global Gaming Expo’s (G2E) debut in Manila on December 3, 2019, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrea Domingo was in high spirits as she warmly welcomed the gaming executives from the Philippines and abroad.

The PAGCOR chief said that the Philippines is becoming a good site for gaming. “We would like to retain that image because we believe that there is mutual respect among us as neighboring countries in Asia.”

Domingo added that the Philippines as a democratic republic has a strong legal system. “Following the rule of law was the first instruction that I got from President Rodrigo Duterte when he assumed office. This is what we are doing to the best of our abilities,” she said.

PAGCOR also beefed up its Anti-Money Laundering (AMLA) efforts by creating a department whose sole responsibility is to meet AMLA’s requirements internationally.

To further ensure a level playing field in the Philippine gaming landscape, Domingo cited that PAGCOR continues to implement the ban on integrated resorts, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive in January 2018. “As a gaming regulator, PAGCOR does not want to overburden the industry by blatantly giving out licenses. We want to have a critical mass in different areas of the country so that the people who wish to go there could be accommodated,” she said.

With regard to Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs), Domingo reported that PAGCOR has stopped accepting new applicants to allow the industry to mature.

“We are only about two and a half years here in offshore gaming and we have learned about 90 percent of it. The 10 percent is still dependent on technology. I think by next year, we would have addressed 90 to 95 percent of the problems of POGO – including the dark side of what you call prostitution, kidnapping and financing,” she explained.

Through PAGCOR’s active partnership with other government agencies in the country – such as the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Immigration, Domingo is optimistic that gaming regulation and operations in the country – including offshore gaming will be more efficient.

“We would like to regulate not only the social effects of gaming but all that we give license to will have a chance to be successful. That’s the overall framework that we want to improve,” she said.

On the second day of the conference, Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Assistant Secretary Roberto Alabado discussed the government’s efforts to improve the country’s tourism industry.

Aside from improving infrastructure and portfolios to promote Philippine destinations, Alabado cited several programs that will enhance the capacity of tourism professionals in the country. One of these is employing retired overseas Filipino workers to act as interpreters for foreign guests. “We are drumming up accessibility and mobility without turning a blind eye on our tourism program. We aim to achieve inclusive growth for the local tourism industry,” he said. .

G2E Asia is the international gaming trade show and conference for the Asian gaming industry. Organized by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, G2E Asia, which is held annually in Macau made its debut in 2007, establishing itself as the preeminent show for the Asian gaming-entertainment industry. .

During the two-day exhibition, about 100 exhibitors and sponsors showcased their latest products. The conference provided participants an industry-exclusive education lineup featuring renowned leaders and influencers, centering around the themes of “ASEAN Market Perspectives: Opportunities and Threats” and “Beyond Gaming.”.

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