The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is planning to launch a Gaming Academy in the country, aiming to build and develop a partnership across Asian gaming education providers in order to create a consortium that caters not only to the Philippine workforce but also for anyone wishing to work and build a career in gaming even in other jurisdictions.
During a special private event on Monday in Macau – hosted by BMM Testlabs and the Macao Polytechnic University (MPU), representatives of the regulator laid out their aspirations, expecting that a signing agreement could possibly take place as early as November, likely in South Korea.
Dr. Angelito Domingo, Vice President of PAGCOR’s Human Resource and Development Group, notes that the initiative is also part of PAGCOR’s holistic transformation to a purely regulatory body.
As PAGCOR privatizes its Casino Filipino operations – some 40 small to medium sized operations spread across the country – it will also be creating unique opportunities for about 6,000 PAGCOR employees involved in land-based operations to either stay in the industry or explore new fields of endeavor.
“We want to continuously develop talent,” notes Dr. Domingo, speaking to a room of industry professionals and scholars.
“We have to evolve, we have to transition, we have to transform,” states the executive, giving the example of Japan which, despite its first IR opening only slated sometime in 2030, already has an operational gaming school.
“Gaming will be here forever, in whatever form it is,” states Dr. Domingo, noting that the proposed institute will focus beyond just entry-level trainees to include specialization and maybe even post-graduate studies in gaming tourism.
A strong proponent of the newly proposed gaming academy is Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations – Licensing and Regulatory Group for PAGCOR, Daniel Cecilio.
The executive notes his own progress, evolving from a dealer into his current role – accompanying the transition of PAGCOR throughout his career.
Cecilio simultaneously lauds the body’s transition to a purely regulatory function, as well as the advantages a high-level gaming training institute will bring to the country.
The executive makes note that some 70 percent of the nation’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2023 is derived from land-based licensed casinos, while only 7 percent is garnered from Casino Filipino properties.
Aside from workers directly in casino properties, or the gaming industry, both Cecilio and Dr. Domingo note the ageing workforce in PAGCOR itself, with the average age of employees at 42 and the average tenure being 18 years.
“We have to upscale and upgrade everybody. Not only in PAGCOR but also with our partners,” notes Dr. Domingo. “The more our licensees earn, the more the government benefits. It’s in our interest to support everybody”.
And regarding the overall gaming workforce, what is being looked for?
“The most important quality is dedication and professionalism, because over time the context of what gaming should be and what gaming was, has evolved”.
Stay tuned for an upcoming video on the topic!
