The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, (PAGCOR) has issued a stern reminder to both local and foreign individuals to exercise utmost caution when engaging in online gaming activities, as the proliferation of illegal online gambling sites continues to pose a significant threat.
This call for heightened vigilance comes in response to recent reports revealing the misuse of a specific website, www.starspangled200.org, which was printed on nearly 800,000 registered vehicle plates in Maryland, USA, as a promotional tool for the state’s history.
Fraudsters have ingeniously exploited this platform by redirecting users to an illicit gambling website allegedly operating in the Philippines.
Alejandro Tengco, chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, expressed deep concern over the matter, emphasizing that the URL www.starspangled200.org, which leads to the website https://www.globeinternational.info/, has been illicitly utilized as a gambling platform that not only infringes upon players’ rights but also tarnishes the reputation of the Philippines.
Tengco clarified that PAGCOR has no association with the aforementioned websites or the illicit gaming activities they facilitate.
“PAGCOR has nothing to do with the said websites, as well as the gaming activities happening therein. As the country’s gaming regulator, PAGCOR does not condone illegal online gambling. Engaging or betting on illegal gambling activities is not only a criminal act; it also takes away from the government billions of pesos in revenues which can be used to fund priority programs that will benefit a greater number of Filipinos. Hence, we have been continuously working with various government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that our gaming policies are in place and the online gaming platforms that we regulate are safe and credible,” he said.
Tengco further disclosed that the Security and Monitoring Cluster of PAGCOR has initiated an investigation into the matter, and the relevant government agency has been promptly alerted for immediate action against the website.
He called upon gaming enthusiasts to exclusively partake in PAGCOR-licensed online gaming platforms, which guarantee a truly enjoyable and safe gaming experience. With a firm commitment to upholding the integrity of the gaming industry, PAGCOR is determined to combat illegal gambling activities and maintain the highest standards of security and credibility for the benefit of all stakeholders.