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PAGCOR statement on the uncollected P2.328B POGO income
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) would like to clarify a recent report by the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding its outstanding accounts receivables amounting to P2.328 billion.
Out of the P2.328 billion, the P815.902 million indicated in the report as under protest has already been resolved with finality. To recall, said amount resulted from PAGCOR’s intensive fight against illegal online gambling and its overzealousness to maximize collections which led it to impose assumed or estimated billings for suspected undeclared websites. After thorough revalidation, no link between the suspected undeclared websites and concerned POGOs were established. In fact, the undeclared sites were actually websites of illegal operators stealing the live stream of our licensees.
On the P1.512 billion which remain uncollected, majority of the said amount is attributable to the recent effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. It must be recalled that on March 21, 2020, all POGO gaming operations in the country were ordered shut down by the Government in view of the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine. On June 2020, despite being allowed to resume operations, majority of our operators were still unable to resume operations due to existing lockdowns, restrictions in business operations, prohibition on entry of foreign workers, and other pandemic measures.
It is worth noting that with the passage of the Bayanihan Act, which allowed the adoption of concessions to ease the economic burden on businesses, PAGCOR would have had the option of not imposing the monthly Minimum Guaranteed Fee (MGF) on the POGO licensees which failed to resume its operations. Nonetheless, because of PAGCOR’s desire to source revenues to fund the fight against the pandemic, the monthly MGF, which is for operators who do not meet their monthly target revenues under normal operating circumstances, was continuously imposed on all POGOs for the months of April and May 2020 notwithstanding the closure mandated by the Government, and for the succeeding months, regardless of whether the licensee was able to resume operations or not. In deference to the provisions of the Bayanihan Act, only the procedures on forfeiture of performance bond and cancellation of license were temporarily suspended. Nevertheless, despite such remedial measures, most POGOs were no longer able to reopen since the start of the pandemic, which consequently resulted in the accrual of uncollected bills.
Finally, it must be emphasized that POGOs which are currently operational were required to fully settle their accumulated arrears before they were allowed to resume operations. This meant full payment of their monthly MGF for the months that they were non-operational beginning on March 2020, including the months wherein closure and stoppage of operations was mandated by the government. These collected amounts were used by the Government to fund the fight against the pandemic.
To date, PAGCOR has been observing proper procedures for the collection of its outstanding receivables. Uncollected accounts receivables have already been referred to the legal department for necessary action, and PAGCOR is set on employing all legal means for its collection.
Award-winning fast-betting content provider strengthens its position in the region with the latest hire
BETER, the in-demand provider of fast-betting content, data, and live streaming for esports and sports, has strengthened its team with the appointment of Juliana Querino as LatAm Business Development Manager.
Juliana, a seasoned business development specialist based in Brazil, has extensive experience in the Latin American iGaming industry. She has previously held various business development positions at Better Collective, Endorphina, Salsa Technology, and other companies. Her expertise was recognized by the G&M News platform, which included her in its Top 5 Women in the Industry 2024 list—highlighting women making significant contributions to the growth of iGaming in the region.
In her new role at BETER, she will drive the company’s expansion across Latin America, forging new partnerships with regional operators and aggregators, particularly in Brazil, where demand for BETER’s content continues to grow.
She will also drive BETER into new LatAm markets where the provider does not currently have a presence while managing relationships with existing partners to ensure they get the most out of the provider’s next-gen content offering.
Chuck Robinson, Chief Revenue Officer at BETER, said: “Latin America is a fast-moving market with opportunities opening up all the time. To capitalize on these, we need an exceptional specialist, and in Juliana, we have found exactly that. Her expertise and deep market knowledge make her a valuable addition to our team.
“We are already experiencing strong demand for our fast-betting products and solutions across the region. With Juliana on board, we can further identify key operators that would benefit from partnering with us, driving even greater growth.
“I’m delighted to welcome Juliana to the BETER team.”
Juliana Querino commented: “Fast-betting content has become essential for operators in Latin America and beyond, and I’m thrilled to join BETER in expanding awareness of its award-winning portfolio.
“BETER is renowned for its ESportsBattle and Setka Cup tournaments, which are already popular among bettors in LatAm. But our offering goes far beyond that, and I’m eager to showcase the full suite of products and solutions to operators from Brazil to Peru.”
“I look forward to helping BETER maximize the full potential of the LatAm market.”
BetBreak.org has published “When and How to Take a Time-Out from Sportsbetting,” a brand-new workbook designed to help readers understand how taking a break – of any duration – from sports betting can be transformational for their mental health, financial health, and relationships with friends and family.
“This workbook and self-study guide is for anyone who wants to explore their relationship with gambling and it’s especially for those who are wondering whether it might be time for a break from sports betting,” said addiction expert Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds.
The workbook includes information about how to know if you are ready to change, tips for curbing your sports betting if you aren’t ready to quit, setting SMART goals, and limiting access to the three things necessary to gamble. The guide also contains proven tools for managing cravings and urges, resources to regain control over your finances, strategies for dealing with guilt and shame as well as stress management tips.
“The BetBreak workbook is based on the science of behavior change and helps readers make the sustainable shifts in habits necessary to live life with more presence, focus, well-being and happiness,” Dr. Reynolds said.
SCCG Management, a global leader in gaming advisory, business development, and investment strategies, has secured membership to the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA). As the premier organization dedicated to advancing fantasy sports and sports betting, FSGA provides a collaborative environment where industry leaders, innovators, and pioneers shape the future of these rapidly growing sectors.
By joining FSGA, SCCG Management reinforces its commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends, market developments, and emerging opportunities within fantasy sports and sports gaming. The partnership will allow SCCG to engage with key stakeholders, participate in thought leadership discussions, and contribute strategic insights to the evolving landscape of fantasy sports, sports wagering, and interactive gaming experiences.
With the fantasy sports and sports betting industries experiencing unprecedented growth and innovation, SCCG’s expertise in business development, technology integration, and investment strategy will bring valuable insights to the FSGA community. As a member, SCCG will actively participate in industry conferences, working groups, and networking events, including the upcoming 2025 FSGA Winter Conference, which serves as a hub for leaders, visionaries, and top executives shaping the future of fantasy sports and sports betting.
“FSGA is at the center of innovation in fantasy sports and gaming, and we are excited to join this influential community. At SCCG, we are always looking to align with industry leaders who are shaping the future of interactive sports entertainment. Through this partnership, we look forward to collaborating with fellow members, exchanging insights, and driving innovation across fantasy sports and sports betting,” Stephen Crystal, Founder & CEO of SCCG Management, said.
As SCCG continues to expand its global impact in fantasy sports, sports betting, and gaming technology, its membership in FSGA further solidifies its position as a trusted advisor and partner to the industry’s most innovative companies.
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