{
  "id": 14001498,
  "title": "PAGCOR: Nearly 40K gamblers volunteer for self exclusion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/pagcor-nearly-40k-gamblers-volunteer-for-self-exclusion",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-12T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Philippine Star Business",
    "slug": "philippine-star-business",
    "url": "https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/10/13/2562736/pagcor-nearly-40k-gamblers-volunteer-self-exclusion"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BORACAY, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has approved nearly 40,000 requests for self-exclusion from gambling activities, according to the regulator's chairman Alejandro Tengco. The surge in applications reflects PAGCOR's intensified efforts to promote responsible gaming and address gambling-related harm. Tengco noted that the number of self-exclusion applications has jumped from fewer than 2,000 to nearly 40,000 in the past six months, indicating growing participation in the program. Individuals, as well as immediate family members of those seeking assistance, can request self-exclusion to prevent participation in gambling activities. PAGCOR has also launched the National Problem Gambling Helpline, providing 24/7 support for individuals and families affected by gambling, and is encouraging gaming operators to promote the helpline. The regulator emphasized the need to balance industry expansion with stronger consumer protection, particularly in light of concerns raised by Catholic bishops over the social and moral implications of casino operations on Boracay Island.",
  "summary": "The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has approved nearly 40,000 requests from gamblers seeking to bar themselves from betting, as the regulator intensifies its campaign to promote responsible gaming and address gambling-related harm.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}