Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JUN 2020年6月 亞博匯 50 COLUMNISTS clean up the industry and bring legitimate operators into a competitive playing field. While POGOs do present their own challenges to the regulatory structure, these operations are still undergoing rapid growth and are being reined into a system that cannot keep up with their advances. Online gaming can provide a sustainable revenue resource, but the right regulatory structure and enforcement protocols are needed for the industry to thrive. The pandemic has offered an opportunity for PAGCOR to implement a regulatory structure, as well as to begin its efforts to more effectively combat the illegal operators in the market (NOGOs) and provide a better structure for those wishing to operate legally within the Philippines. While there is still revenue being left on the table until a more robust revenue verification system is put in place, POGOs can serve as a model for online gaming operations around the world as PAGCOR moves forward with its efforts to solidify the structure for the industry. Especially in the pandemic world, the opportunity for online gaming is undeniable. While it will not replace the thrill of live gaming that many players have grown accustomed to, it does provide a viable and convenient alternative while brick-and-mortar operations are scaled down. However, it is imperative that, as jurisdictions look into online gaming, they allow for strict regulation, know your customer (KYC) procedures and responsible gaming measures to ensure a feasible and competitive online market.