RFID Poker System PAGCOR Implementing Rules: What Operators Must Follow

The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Poker System Implementing Rules and Guidelines (IRG) is the PAGCOR issuance that governs how licensed poker operators may use an RFID poker set-up system. Its sole stated objective is marketing — enhancing the gaming experience to attract prospective poker customers. Before any RFID table goes live, the Table Games Department (TGD) and Information Technology Department (ITD) must attend a product demonstration, the operator must file a request at least fifteen business days before the tournament, and the system may only be used at designated tournament tables. Violations carry escalating penalties, from a stern warning to possible license revocation.

What the RFID IRG covers

The IRG standardizes the policies and guidelines on the utilization of the RFID Poker Set-up System by licensed poker operators under PAGCOR. It guides poker operators, PAGCOR, and host branch or SOG management on the requirements, limitations, and guidelines that apply prior to approval and implementation of the RFID poker system.

The IRG states that the system's sole objective is marketing — enhancing the gaming experience to attract or entice prospective poker customers. It is not a general-purpose tool for regular cash games.

Product demonstration and evaluation

Concerned PAGCOR departments — the TGD and the ITD — must attend a product demonstration as the basis for evaluating the system and its subsequent approval. The demonstration includes:

• Checking the entire poker table system set-up and its functionality;
• Simulating a poker tournament game while monitoring delayed video streaming or broadcasting at the back office, including the accuracy and efficiency of capturing cards dealt per hand and the community cards;
• Implementing a minimum twenty-minute delay in the streaming or broadcasting of captured video on the poker room's official social media account (such as Facebook or YouTube) to uphold the integrity of the game.

At RFID-enabled tables, mobile gadgets and communication devices — cell phones, headphones, airpods or earbuds — are prohibited during play and must be surrendered or deposited at the poker room's concerned office before the tournament starts. A joint report by the TGD and ITD representatives on these activities is submitted to the Office of the Assistant Vice President of both departments.

Table set-up and approval requirements

RFID poker table systems may only be utilized at designated tournament tables.

To obtain approval, the poker operator must notify the TGD of its intention to use the system and submit the Request and Approval of Poker Room Marketing and Promotion Form (TGD Form-1507) at least fifteen (15) business days prior to the tournament schedule.

RFID tournament table guidelines and mechanics

After elimination rounds, or once player participants are determined from regular tournament tables, players are transferred to the RFID-enabled table for the final tournament game. The tournament director or floor manager performs the following:

• Drawing players' seat number assignments;
• Registering and verifying players' names and chip counts;
• Having participants sign a waiver or equivalent document for pictures and video streaming;
• Instructing technical staff to input player details, chip stacks, profile pictures, and payouts into the RFID system software;
• Conducting a pre-tournament orientation on viewing cards, placing hole cards, and electronic device policies;
• Informing participants of the communication device prohibitions and the designated area where cell phone use is allowed, only when a player is not in hand or in play.

The poker room's technical staff role is limited to viewing table activities and dealt community cards, and acting as a technical director with a communication device directly communicating with the dealer for player actions such as check, call, bet, raise, fold, and all-in.

Advertising and photo/video coverage rules

The IRG implements the Responsible Gaming Code of Practice Version 6.0, Chapter VII on Advertisements. Advertising materials in any Philippine media must be socially responsible and must not target persons below 21, imply that skill influences gambling outcomes, suggest gambling solves financial problems, or include misleading statements about odds and prizes. Mandatory elements include the prohibition of under-21 logo and the Responsible Gaming slogan "Keep it Fun." Billboards must be located not less than a 200-meter radius from schools, places of worship, horse racing outlets, public markets, and informal settler or resettlement areas.

On photo and video coverage, no coverage of actual live gaming operations with customers playing is allowed. Actors must be 21 or older, and for tournaments, the proponent must first seek the approval of concerned players and show proof to the branch or PAGCOR management. The proponent must notify branch management at least forty-eight (48) hours before the shoot.

Penalties for deviation or non-compliance

Violations of the IRG carry the following penalties depending on the severity of the offense:

• First offense — stern warning plus 5 points demerit;
• Second offense — twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) monetary penalty plus 10 points demerit;
• Third offense — fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) monetary penalty plus 10 points demerit, and review of the Gaming License, which may lead to revocation.

Frequently asked questions

When can a poker operator start using an RFID poker system? Only after the TGD and ITD attend a product demonstration and the operator files TGD Form-1507 at least fifteen business days before the tournament schedule.

Are cell phones allowed at RFID poker tables? No. Mobile gadgets and communication devices are prohibited during play and must be surrendered or deposited before the tournament begins.

What happens if an operator violates the RFID IRG? Penalties escalate from a stern warning plus 5 demerit points, to a P20,000 fine, to a P50,000 fine with possible license revocation on the third offense.

Practical takeaways

• The RFID system is approved for marketing purposes only and only at designated tournament tables.
• File TGD Form-1507 at least 15 business days before the tournament.
• Enforce the 20-minute streaming delay and the total ban on communication devices at RFID tables.
• Secure player waivers and, for tournament coverage, player approval before any shoot.
• Expect escalating penalties — including license review — for any deviation from the IRG.

Primary sources

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

Regulatory Manual for Poker Operations - Application and Operation GuidelinesOpen in Law LibraryDownload PDF

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Poker System IRGOpen 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.