Dedicated online gambling regulator for the Philippines?

Media reports from the Philippines report that a local Senator has suggested a bold new move to improve the control of online gambling.

Addressing a Senate hearing enquiring into the circumstances surrounding bribery and corruption allegations against online gambling tycoon Jack Lam (see previous reports), Senator Richard Gordon said on Thursday that a dedicated online gambling regulator should be established, leaving the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to oversee land-based casinos.

He suggested the body be titled the Philippine Online Gaming and Regulatory Authority (POGRA) and claimed such an entity would be better equipped to oversee the $250-billion industry using new technology.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre appeared to be supportive, saying that a dedicated online gambling regulator would help eliminate grey licensing and enforcement areas.

Online games are currently limited to offshore players – Philippine gambling laws prohibit Filipinos from gambling via the Internet.