Licensed e-sabong operator bats for regulation, safety protocols (Latest Sabong News)
Author
Manila Bulletin
Date
SEPTEMBER 28 2022
One of the seven accredited e-sabong operators is denouncing the growing number illegal game operations and is now pushing for more r regulations with the introduction of a stricter verification system to address the so-called “social costs” of the game on the Filipino people.
Lucky 8 Star Quest made the call after authorities seized ₱2.6 million in cash and ₱2 million worth of video equipment from at least two gambling operators in Minglanilla, Cebu, on Sept. 16. While e-sabong remains suspended, enthusiasts are finding alternative ways to illegally play the game.
Lucky 8 Star Quest risk and compliance manager Rommel Cruz said the recent apprehension of illegal gambling operators is proof that illegal e-sabong operations continue to exist and thrive in many parts of the country to fill the void of the suspension. “These illegal e-sabong operations are unregulated and will only result in further loss of government revenue. What is needed is for the government to implement stricter regulations once e-sabong is reinstated,” Cruz said.
Aside from the current regulations imposed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), Lucky 8 Star Quest proposes to introduce the Electronic Know-Your-Client (eKYC) process, where players will be authenticated in order to screen players.
“With eKYC, the prospective players will 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 will be put in place. More than just a declaration of the prospective player that he is at least 21 years old, cross checks will include 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 said.
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 are stored in the company’s central database. We ensure that this data bank remains secure and our personnel are 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 easier 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 chief executive officer Joe Pisano proposed when he said companies are willing to work with the government and lawmakers to help regulate the game better. Jade Gaming is another e-sabong accredited operator.
The e-sabong industry generated around ₱640 million a month in early 2022, and ₱2.03 billion in the first half of the year, according to Pagcor Chairman and Chief Executive Andrea Domingo. With the suspension of e-sabong, the government is projected to lose ₱5 billion in revenue.
