Solaire, Newport World Resorts, Okada say online gaming ops follow laws
In a joint statement, Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts, and Okada Manila said, 'Our online gaming operations are a regulated and responsibly managed extension of our operations—designed to complement our primary offerings.'
'We prioritize ethical business practices and promote responsible gaming under the robust regulation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR),' the casino-resort operators said.
Solaire, Newport World Resorts, and Okada emphasized that they hold all necessary licenses and accreditations from PAGCOR, 'meeting stringent legal requirements for gaming operators and system administrators.'
For their online gambling operations, the casino-resort operators said they strictly enforce PAGCOR's geographic restrictions while employing advanced geo-fencing and IP-filtering technologies to prevent player registration and betting from outside the Philippines.
'Our platform adheres rigorously to AML regulations. We implement comprehensive Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures and player verification within 72 hours of registration, ensuring the integrity of our operations and safeguarding players,' they said.
'We actively promote responsible gaming through tools such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, and account restrictions. We strictly prohibit minors from accessing our platform through our stringent age-gating system and verification. We likewise offer resources for individuals seeking assistance with gambling-related issues,' they added.
The casino-resort operators said all their gaming equipment and games undergo rigorous evaluation and receive approval from PAGCOR prior to deployment.
They also use Certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure fairness and transparency.
'Our promotional materials undergo thorough review and approval from PAGCOR and the Advertising Standards Council (ASC), ensuring ethical communication and social responsibility,' they said.
'Every employee holds a valid gaming employment license from PAGCOR and participates in annual compliance training programs,' they added.
Moreover, the casino-resort operators said they fully comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) in protecting personal and financial information with stringent security protocols, including data encryption and access controls.
'Routine audits of our gaming systems, transaction records, and compliance procedures reinforce our accountability and integrity,' they said.
'All content and promotional materials are thoroughly reviewed internally to ensure alignment with regulatory standards, ethical guidelines, and responsible gaming principles.'
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday filed the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, seeking to mandate internet service providers, mobile network operators, and digital platforms to block access to gambling websites and remove related apps within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or PAGCOR.
At the House of Representatives, lawmakers, including Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez and Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon, are pushing for stricter regulations instead of a total ban. Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill 1351, seeking to limit access to online gambling.
Senators JV Ejercito and Sherwin Gatchalian also called for strict regulations.
On Wednesday, several online gaming operators licensed with PAGCOR opposed proposals for a total ban, warning that Filipinos might shift to unregulated sites on the black market.
'Out of 195 countries worldwide, 177 choose to regulate online gaming. Only 18 nations, including North Korea, Iran, and Somalia, maintain total bans, and none have succeeded in eradicating underground gaming,' the statement said.
The statement was signed by World Platinum Technologies Inc., AB Leisure Exponent Inc., Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc., Gamemaster Integrated Inc., Lucky Taya Gaming Corp., Stotsenberg Leisure Park & Hotel Corp., Igo Digital High Technology Inc., Megabet Corp., Gavin Ventures Inc., Gotech Entertainment Inc., Meta Interactive Software Solutions, Inc., Nextstage Entertainment Inc., Webzoid System Solutions Corporation, and Trojan Wells Entertainment Corp. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
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