PAGCOR Training Regulation for Licensed Casinos in the Philippines: A Guide

PAGCOR regulates all gaming and casino-related skills training in the Philippines. Under the Revised Training Regulation and Guidelines Covering All Licensed Casino, any training facility offering these programs falls under PAGCOR's jurisdiction as the Licensor. Training facilities must register with PAGCOR, and only facilities owned and operated by a licensed casino and located within its property may receive a certificate of registration. Registration is valid for two (2) years. Training is strictly for a casino's own employees or hiring purposes — never for the public.

Who and what the PAGCOR training regulation covers

The guidelines apply to all training facilities within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines offering gaming and casino-related skills training programs. This covers facilities that are in operation, already existing, or still for construction.

Under the definitions in the regulation, a training facility is the physical venue — floor space, gaming area, slot machine area, cage, or surveillance office — where training is conducted. Gaming skills refer to dealing skills for table games, while casino-related skills cover duties in the slot machine area, cage, and surveillance.

The Licensor is PAGCOR, described as the lone issuing authority of licenses in the Philippines for casino, gaming, and related operations. The Licensee, or LC, is the franchise casino or gaming outlet granted a license to operate, but which does not necessarily hold a Certificate of Gaming Training Program Registration.

Registration requirements for training facilities

A licensed casino must submit its application to PAGCOR through the Gaming Licensing and Development Department (GLDD) at least three (3) months before the scheduled inspection of the training facility or venue. The documentary requirements include:

• A duly accomplished application form
• A certified board resolution on the facility as a venue for gaming and casino-related skills training programs
• Certification of officials with their corresponding positions
• A copy of the training facility floor plan, including the medical clinic, library, CCTV, and cage facility

The facility must install health services for medical incidents (with the contract or MOA submitted if out-sourced), a library, CCTV, and a cage facility. It must also meet minimum standards, including floor space for lectures and for actual demonstration or skills modules, gaming tables, table paraphernalia, playing cards and training chips marked for training purposes only, slot machine units, spreading boards, and a multi-media projector and screen.

Training facilities not owned and operated by, and located within, a licensed casino property shall not be granted a certificate of registration. A licensed casino may contract a third party for training services only if that third party is a parent or affiliate/subsidiary company with documentary proof of the business relationship, or is the casino's supplier of gaming equipment or slot machines whose maintenance and operation support forms part of the purchase agreement.

Curriculum standards and minimum training hours

The curriculum must be filed with GLDD at least three (3) months before the entity intends to offer the program. Required documents include the list of training modules or syllabus, the number of hours for completion, the trainer-trainee ratio, the program schedule, the assessment method, the schedule and breakdown of tuition fees, the grading system, and entry requirements.

The regulation sets minimum hours for specific programs:

• Table Games Dealing — one hundred forty-eight (148) hours for each of the following games: baccarat-based games, blackjack, pontoon, roulette, craps, pai-gow poker, and Texas Hold'em Poker. Other games may have less than one hundred forty-eight (148) hours each.
• Slot Machine Technician — twelve (12) hours for non-experienced trainees; eight (8) hours for trainees with at least two (2) years work experience.
• Cage and Count Transactions — sixteen (16) hours.
• Surveillance Operator — one hundred ninety-two (192) hours.

The Training Regulations Working Committee (TRWC) evaluates the curriculum, training supplies and materials, tools, machines, equipment, and onsite facilities within three (3) months from receipt of application.

Trainer qualifications and registration

A licensed casino must submit for registration all trainers assigned to conduct gaming and casino-related skills training programs, including trainers provided by affiliate/subsidiary companies or suppliers. Applications go to PAGCOR through GLDD at least three (3) months before the start of training, supported by a letter of intent and a non-refundable registration fee.

Trainer applicants must meet minimum standards: at least three (3) years experience in their field of expertise; Filipino citizenship (or, for foreign nationals, a valid Bureau of Immigration and Deportation work visa and applicable permits); drug test clearance; no pending criminal, civil, or administrative case; and no conviction in such a case. A PAGCOR-issued Gaming Employment License is among the documentary requirements.

Renewals, fees, and compliance

Certificates of registration are valid for two (2) years. Renewal applications for the training facility must be filed three (3) months before expiration, with a current local business permit and a current certificate of ownership or contract of lease of the building covering at least five (5) years.

Registration fees for the training facility and trainers are based on the approved number of gaming tables and slot machines, ranging from Php 10,000.00 to Php 50,000.00. Curriculum fees are based on minimum training hours — for example, Php 10,000 each for table games with 148 hours, and Php 5,000 each for other games with less than 148 hours.

PAGCOR may suspend or revoke a certificate of registration at any time for violations of the guidelines.

Frequently asked questions

Can a private training center offer casino dealer training in the Philippines? No. Training facilities not owned and operated by, and located within, a licensed casino property shall not be granted a certificate of registration. Public offering of gaming and casino-related skills training programs may only be conducted by PAGCOR.

How long is a PAGCOR training registration valid? The certificate of registration is valid for two (2) years. Renewal must be filed three (3) months before expiration.

Do graduates need a license before working in a casino? Yes. All graduates of the training programs must apply for a Gaming Employment License with PAGCOR before assuming any position related to gaming operations.

Practical takeaways

• Register the training facility, curriculum, and trainers with PAGCOR through GLDD — each application is filed at least three (3) months ahead.
• Training may only serve a casino's own employees or hiring needs; public training is reserved to PAGCOR.
• Meet the minimum curriculum hours, such as 148 hours per table game and 192 hours for surveillance operators.
• Prepare for renewal three (3) months before the two-year validity lapses, and keep trainers' credentials current.
• Expect suspension or revocation for any violation of the guidelines.

Primary sources

The rules discussed above are drawn from the following PAGCOR issuances, embedded here in full for your reference.

Revised Training Regulation and Guidelines Covering All Licensed CasinoOpen in Law LibraryDownload PDF

This article is general information and not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a lawyer or ask ASG Legal AI.