PAGCOR Poker Tournament Scheduling Guidelines: What Operators Must Know

PAGCOR regulates poker tournament scheduling and progressive jackpot operations through the Table Games Department (TGD). Before implementing any progressive wagering or progressive jackpot, a poker operator must submit a duly completed TGD-1581 Implementation of Poker Progressive Wagering Request and Approval Form to the TGD, together with implementing rules and guidelines (IRGs), at least eight (8) business days prior to the intended date of implementation. The submission cut-off is 3:00 PM. Failure to provide complete documents may result in non-processing of the request.

What the TGD-1581 Form Requires

The TGD-1581 form requires the operator to provide the following:

• Name of operator, poker room name, and location
• Date of implementation
• Poker variant name/s and progressive wagering name
• Proposed seed money
• Description of the proposed progressive wagering

The operator must also attach the IRGs for the poker progressive wagering and progressive jackpot, containing at a minimum: jackpot rake rules, jackpot mechanics, jackpot payouts, standards for poker progressive jackpots, and other relevant concerns. A bank certificate for the account exclusively used for progressive jackpot funds and a letter of authorization allowing PAGCOR to audit the Bad Beat Jackpot bank account must also be submitted.

Submission and Approval Process

Completed forms and attachments may be submitted to the TGD at the PAGCOR office or via email at poker@pagcor.ph. If submission is done by email, the operator must ensure the form is duly received and acknowledged by the TGD. If no email confirmation is received, the operator should submit the hard copy directly to the TGD.

The TGD reviews the submission and may return it due to incomplete information or supporting documents. Once verified, the request is recommended for approval by the Table Operations Manager and approved by the Head of the TGD.

Bad Beat Jackpot Guidelines

For poker rooms planning to offer a Bad Beat Jackpot (BBJ) progressive jackpot, the PAGCOR Bad Beat Jackpot Guidelines must be followed. These guidelines establish the regulatory framework for progressive jackpots in poker rooms across the Philippines.

Key requirements include:

• The BBJ is offered in Texas Hold'em games only.
• The jackpot rake is ten percent (10%) of each eligible poker game pot, up to a maximum of One Hundred Pesos (P100.00).
• The jackpot rake is collected only once during a hand and dropped directly into the jackpot drop box positioned under the table to the left of the dealer.
• From the total daily jackpot rake collection, thirty percent (30%) is retained by the operator as a jackpot administrative fee, and seventy percent (70%) goes to the progressive bad beat jackpot fund.
• The progressive jackpot amount must be conspicuously displayed in the poker room.

Jackpot Payout and Reporting

When a progressive jackpot is hit, the operator must immediately submit the TGD-1500 Poker Progressive Jackpot Awarding Request Form to the TGD within twenty-four (24) hours, with proper computation, description of the winning hole cards and board cards, names of persons involved, and the amount won by each person. An updated TGD-1494 (for offsite) or TGD-1623 (for onsite) report must also be submitted.

Other attachments must be submitted not later than seven (7) calendar days after the jackpot hit, including photocopies of valid government-issued IDs of the players, bank statements showing the current jackpot fund amount, and CCTV coverage from at least five (5) deals before the jackpot hit until card sorting.

The TGD evaluates and approves the awarding of the jackpot payout within three (3) business days from submission of complete requirements. The jackpot payout is then awarded by the operator within three (3) business days after TGD approval.

Cessation of Progressive Jackpots

If a poker room intends to cease its progressive jackpot operations while still operational, it must notify PAGCOR using the TGD-1540 Transfer/Cessation of Poker Progressive Jackpot Request and Approval Form. Part 1 must be submitted at least fourteen (14) business days prior to the intended cessation. Part 2 must be submitted within two (2) business days from cessation.

Cessation is only allowed if there is another progressive jackpot available where the jackpot increment and reserve amount will be transferred, or once the progressive jackpot is hit. Players must be properly notified at least seven (7) days in advance of the cessation date.

Frequently asked questions

How early must a poker operator submit the TGD-1581 form to PAGCOR?

The operator must submit the TGD-1581 form to the TGD at least eight (8) business days prior to the intended date of implementation of progressive wagering and progressive jackpot/s. The cut-off for submission is 3:00 PM.

What happens if a poker operator implements a progressive jackpot without PAGCOR approval?

Unauthorized implementation of a progressive jackpot carries a demerit of five (5) points and a penalty of P30,000. Unauthorized awarding of a progressive jackpot payout also carries the same demerit and penalty.

How long does PAGCOR have to approve a jackpot payout?

The TGD shall evaluate and approve the awarding of the jackpot payout within three (3) business days from submission of complete requirements. The operator must then award the payout within three (3) business days after TGD approval.

Practical takeaways

• Submit the TGD-1581 form with complete attachments at least eight (8) business days before implementing any progressive wagering or jackpot.
• Ensure the implementing rules and guidelines cover jackpot rake rules, mechanics, payouts, and standards.
• Open a dedicated bank account solely for progressive jackpot funds and authorize PAGCOR to audit it.
• For Bad Beat Jackpots, follow the specific guidelines on qualifying hands, jackpot rake collection, and payout distribution.
• Submit all required reports and forms within the prescribed deadlines to avoid penalties.

Primary sources

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

Revised Bad Beat Jackpot GuidelinesOpen 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.