Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR has revealed it is targeting a December launch for its new mobile app designed to help players identify licensed online gaming platforms, and avoid illegal gambling sites in the process.
The regulator had previously revealed at September’s IAG EXPO in Manila that the app would launch in the fourth quarter of the year.
According to information released Monday, the app will strengthen PAGCOR’s efforts to protect the public from illegal online gambling.
“This platform will give players a reliable way to verify which online gaming platforms are licensed by PAGCOR. We want the public to make informed choices and avoid falling prey to illegal operators,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said.
The regulator explained that its Board of Directors had approved the app’s development and implementation on 8 October, including a proposed partnership with Development Bank of the Philippines Data Center, Inc (DCI) to develop, operate and maintain the platform, subject to applicable laws and regulations. DCI will handle the app’s development, hosting, operation, maintenance and technical support at no cost to PAGCOR, it added.
As per Monday’s release, DCI will prior to full-scale implementation be required to present a proof of concept for the app’s minimum viable product for PAGCOR’s evaluation and acceptance. The six-month assessment will cover the platform’s proposed features, system architecture, security controls, and overall feasibility.
PAGCOR may terminate the arrangement if DCI fails to address deficiencies identified during the evaluation period within a reasonable time, it said.
The partnership will require compliance with applicable data privacy, cybersecurity and information security laws, including the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Data sharing and information security provisions will be incorporated in the terms or will be covered by a separate data-sharing agreement.
PAGCOR is also coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Telecommunications Commission and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center to strengthen efforts against illegal online gambling operators.
The launch by PAGCOR of its own app comes after the central bank of the Philippines last year ordered all e-wallet providers to delink from online gambling platforms – a move designed to increase player protections but that has been criticized for achieving the exact opposite by removing user visibility of licensed sites.
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