PAGCOR FINES E-GAMING FIRM ₱1 MILLION OVER UNAUTHORIZED IVANA ALAWI GIVEAWAY

An e-gaming company was reportedly fined ₱1 million by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation after conducting a promotional campaign without regulatory authorization. The issue, which included a viral cellphone giveaway featuring content creator Ivana Alawi, was raised during a House Committee on Appropriations hearing as lawmakers discussed the promotion of online gaming platforms.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the company was also directed to stop the unauthorized promotion. The incident drew additional attention because of the growing use of celebrities and social media personalities in campaigns connected to online gaming, an industry that remains subject to PAGCOR licensing and regulatory requirements. PAGCOR has separately emphasized its role in regulating gaming operations and promoting responsible gaming.

The regulator also warned that repeated violations can result in stronger sanctions, including possible suspension or cancellation of a gaming license. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny over how online gaming companies market their services and the responsibility of operators to secure proper approval before launching public promotional activities.