Licensed eSabong operator pushes for regulation, safety measures with eKYC system (Latest Sabong News)
Author
BMPlus
Date
SEPTEMBER 28 2022
One of the seven accredited eSabong operators ‘Lucky 8 Star Quest’ is denouncing the growing number of illegal game operations and is now pushing for more regulation with the introduction of a stricter verification system, to address public outcry about the so-called ‘social costs’ of the game on the Filipino people.
This came after authorities seized a total of P2.6 million in cash and P2 million worth of video equipment from at least two gambling operators in Minglanilla Town, Southern Cebu, on September 16, as the game continues to be banned and enthusiasts are finding alternative ways to play the game.
Lucky 8 Star Quest Risk and Compliance Manager, Rommel Cruz said that the recent apprehension of illegal gambling operators is proof that illegal eSabong operations continue to exist and even thrive in many parts of the country to fill the void of the ban. “These illegal eSabong operations are unregulated and will only result in further loss of revenue to the government. What is needed is for the government to implement more strict regulations to eSabong if reinstated,” Cruz added.
Aside from the current regulations from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Lucky 8 Star Quest has been proposing to introduce the Electronic Know-Your-Client (eKYC) process, where players will be authenticated, in order to weed out players.
“With eKYC, the prospective players shall be required to submit and declare their basic information, recent photo, valid government ID, and sources of income to register. Likewise, an authentication process where a video call verification and an anti-money laundering screening have been put in place. More than just a declaration of the prospective player that he is at least 21 years old, cross-checks will include a review of name on form versus name on ID and a face match where a review of submitted documents and photos is made. This added step can effectively prevent minors from participating in the game,” Cruz revealed.
These procedures also apply to players who register onsite, as in the case of our off-cockpit betting operators where supervisors perform first-line verification before endorsement to our customer service specialists for authentication. Note that our KYC process extends not only to our prospective players but to our agents and operators as well.
These eKYC data are digitally recorded and stored in the company’s central database. We ensure that this data bank remains secure and our personnel is abreast with their responsibilities in maintaining confidentiality.
eKYC, as Lucky 8 Star Quest recommends, is significant as it upgrades its information security platform, making it quick for the personal information controllers to distinguish unlawful administrators, simultaneously, while protecting the personal information of its clients consistently.
This is also what Jade Gaming Entertainment and Gaming Technologies, another eSabong accredited operator, Chief Executive Officer Joe Pisano propose when he said that companies are willing to work with the government and lawmakers to help regulate the game better.
The eSabong industry generated around P640 million a month in early 2022 with a total of P2.03 billion in the first half of the year, according to PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Andrea Domingo. A total of P5 billion is estimated to be lost revenue due to the ban. The corporation might increase its loss in the months to come not until a new and effective regulation is adopted in safeguarding not only the gaming industry but also the welfare of the general Filipino population.
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