Can PAGCOR’s 24/7 Gambling Helpline Actually Help Reduce Gambling Addiction?

[qwertyup23]

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

There is no bad in trial. First of all if they want to do it, they have to secretly launch it and if it works then they can publicly announce it and start the campaign. Let them know the impact first before bringing it to the public. So that they will know where to start with. But for my thinking it might not work out because the mind of the gambler has not been deal with so he will still continue. There are different factors that contribute to gambling addiction. And the most common one is the joblessness and those set of individual would like to use the gambling to sustain themselves while looking for good job. And other root cause in it. Let them find the root cause of the gambling addiction first before anything else.

My question is- up to what extent does the PAGCOR help whenever a person calls their hotline? Will they provide counseling services? Will they also render actual help by performing self-exclusion on your part? While I do understand that full commitment on a person's decision to quit gambling is the key to really do something about it, I wonder what kind of help would PAGCOR render?

The way I see it: any help is useful and beneficial no matter how big or small. The fact that the government who legalizes gambling platforms is also the one helping gamblers to control their addiction speaks a lot on their initiative given that gambling addiction in the Philippines has been steadily increasing over the years especially on the introduction of online gambling platforms that became accessible to one's mobile phones.¹

I just hope that the execution of PAGCOR's helpline will at least have an effect of combating addiction at its core. While this initiative will not fully treat or remove gambling addiction, putting a dent to a huge wall can be considered enough at this moment.


1 https://www.fides.org/en/news/76582-ASIA_PHILIPPINES_Online_gambling_is_a_public_health_crisis_that_destroys_society_Bishops_call_for_it_to_be_declared_illegal

[PX-Z]

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

I will not consider it as way to prevent gambling addiction or reduce gambling addiction, but a harm-reduction measure. To make those addicted more wary and at least fix their minds and exit those addictions. While addiction helps the individual, it helps i guess the related family the most since they are the most affected when there's gamble addict on their family members.
Well, kudos the government, but i hope its a long run campaign not just for temporary public image pr.

[CryptSafe]

Since this is a new policy as initiated, implementation is the first or next move to see how active such a policy is before any conclusion can be made on it. For me, the idea is a good one because gamblers who are struggling with addiction can be able to reachout for help from the government to help them reduce their addiction. However, casinos would also help do the needful by also putting it up on their local ads, so that players and the general public would see it for themselves and opt for such options, which could be of help to them.
I know some gamblers would not want to make such a move, but I believe their families would help them do the needful so as to put in check their gambling lifestyle which would of great help to the gambler. and if the gambler is willing to cooperate, it could be possible to achieve the goal for which such policy was inacted for.

[Porfirii]

The truth is that the scope of action of this measure is a little far from me, because the Philippines are practically on the other side of the globe, but I am aware of the news because we have commented on it here many other times, and for such a large population base the number of people affected in some way by addictions is very high.

Although the implementation of a service such as the one mentioned, especially for such a large population, must be very high, I believe that the opportunity cost of doing nothing would be much higher, so in this case I applaud the measure.

[CryptoHeadlineNews]

This looks like good news. Just recently here in the Philippines, PAGCOR, which regulates licensed casinos and sportsbooks both online and offline, launched an initiative called the 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline or NPGH. From what I understand, they want this hotline promoted in gambling-related advertisements, so people who are already having problems with gambling can reach out and get help through the proper support channels connected with PAGCOR.

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

If ensuring that help is been provided to addicted gamblers is the primary aim of PAGCOR as stated in the above, then it is actually a welcome development to the gambling community in Philippines. Because it is obvious that there have never been an initiative like this which focus on the affairs of addicted gamblers. And now that this exists, there is a high chance that the rate at which people get addicted into gambling platforms will drastically decline, since all casino platforms will want to be strict on implementing it's rules and guidance been issued by the body in charge of gambling.

[Floxynice]

I think it is a 50/50 thing. It will actually help only if the affected gamblers realize that they need the help that PAGCOR is offering. The major problem with gamblers who are addicted is not that there is no help available for them, but that many of them do not even realize that they are already in a messy situation. If only addicted gamblers would agree to make themselves available for help, then it would help greatly.

For the government, at least they are doing their job, it is already the fault of the gamblers who need help but do not seek it because they are ashamed of their situation.
That helpline is open 24/7, they just need to call and tell their problems. But I am wondering how the one who answers the call would be able to help, that was not written in the news.

The most important thing is that they have offered to help these vulnerable gamblers. How they intend to help them recover from addiction is the least of our concerns right now. They don't neccessarily have to say everything in the news,  all gamblers need to do is to simply put a call accross to them. I believe that they have already mapped out a recovery plan for these affected gamblers, they wouldn't come out with this offer if they had no plans drafted out.

[knuckey]

This looks like good news. Just recently here in the Philippines, PAGCOR, which regulates licensed casinos and sportsbooks both online and offline, launched an initiative called the 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline or NPGH. From what I understand, they want this hotline promoted in gambling-related advertisements, so people who are already having problems with gambling can reach out and get help through the proper support channels connected with PAGCOR.

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

The initiative created by PACGOR is indeed good. But we really need to see how it plays out in the future. From what I've read, this initiative helps those currently struggling with gambling find the best solution. Perhaps it's a kind of rehabilitation center for gamblers who truly want to repent. This way, the Philippines will have better control over gambling. The impact may not be immediate, but in the coming months.

[aioc]

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

At least gamblers will have something to turn to if they are desperate and want help, and they want it anonymously, so in some way it can help.
Every help line has a purpose, and they have a target audience, and these helplines are handled by professionals to make sure their callers are served and get the right advice that they want to seek.

[Alphakilo]

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

At least gamblers will have something to turn to if they are desperate and want help, and they want it anonymously, so in some way it can help.
Every help line has a purpose, and they have a target audience, and these helplines are handled by professionals to make sure their callers are served and get the right advice that they want to seek.

We can't really know how effective this service would be to gamblers who intend to quit gambling for good, because it actually depends on the gambler to make the decision and intentionally abide by it and for now, this might just be a trial and error service to make the government look like they are actually helping.
I would love to hear real testimonies from gamblers who contacted this PAGGOR service and quit gambling addiction in a years time, for now, I would keep my fingers crossed and hope this initiative works as planned.

[Wakate]

The PAGCOR 24/7 can actually help to reduce the rate at which people that are addicted to gambling take there time to gamble and that is if they are not going to be shy to call the number that will give them followup to help their addiction level.
Gambling addiction has been one of the problems the society has been facing and with the help of this initiative, it is going to help gamblers to stay focus if they are ready to seek for help.

[hyudien]

This is a pretty good solution, the government there is starting to take any steps to reduce gambling addiction for its citizens, these services will probably have a positive impact, but it will also not be completely that gambling addiction there will completely disappear, of course it will be difficult, but at least being able to minimize the number of addicted is much better than not doing anything at all.

[coin-investor]

This initiative reflects PAGCOR's commitment to foster a safer and more responsible gaming environment for all

It's better to have something like this. Our government has come to understand the need to have something like this after so many got addicted to scatter and online cockfighting, which ruins so many lives. After they became strict in promotions and banning illegal casinos, they knew that many gamblers needed help to regain control of their lives, and this is the goal of this helpline.

[Davidvictorson]

This looks like good news. Just recently here in the Philippines, PAGCOR, which regulates licensed casinos and sportsbooks both online and offline, launched an initiative called the 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline or NPGH. From what I understand, they want this hotline promoted in gambling-related advertisements, so people who are already having problems with gambling can reach out and get help through the proper support channels connected with PAGCOR.

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

Helplines actually help(pun intended)
As long as it is toll free and awareness is created about this nationwide, it would have some positive effect. It will not stop or eradicate gambling addiction but it will help.
I hope that they can report on this after three months of running, I would like to see the numbers and if it is having any effects on their target population.

[macson]

Gambling helplines can't completely solve gambling addiction problems, but at least they're available and accessible 24/7, and they should provide some support to gamblers who need help with their addiction. However, from what I've seen, these hotlines still use landline numbers. If that's the case, perhaps not many people would be willing to spend so much money just to top up their phone credit to call that number. So, it's still uncertain whether this program is truly effective for many people.

[Potato Chips]

Good news indeed 

I would say, it's just like the suicide helplines or any helplines for mental health. Up to a certain extent, they help ppl. Pretty much why we have seen countless of similar initiatives.

On the other hand, I have heard of horror stories in these mental health help lines like some staffs where too condescending or invalidating which made it worse for the callets. I hope volunteers/staffs will be monitored adequately to reduce the chances of such scenarios.

[lionheart78]

This looks like good news. Just recently here in the Philippines, PAGCOR, which regulates licensed casinos and sportsbooks both online and offline, launched an initiative called the 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline or NPGH. From what I understand, they want this hotline promoted in gambling-related advertisements, so people who are already having problems with gambling can reach out and get help through the proper support channels connected with PAGCOR.

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

It is a good initiative from PAGCOR, but sadly, I do not think that it will help reduce gambling addiction.  It can help addicted people to get advice and suggestion but I do not think this kind of action is a preventive measure.  It is an assistance service, not a preventive measure.  See the line "people who are already having problems with gambling, and these people need to reach out to them, now think how many gambling addicts reach out to this kind of services?

I think when it comes to preventing gambling addiction, the authority should be the one initiating the contact, not the other way around, because people are too embrassed or shy to say that they are getting addicted to gambling, many are afraid to open up, so in the end, this kind of service of being passive, waiting for people, isn't that effective.

[EluguHcman]

This looks like good news. Just recently here in the Philippines, PAGCOR, which regulates licensed casinos and sportsbooks both online and offline, launched an initiative called the 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline or NPGH. From what I understand, they want this hotline promoted in gambling-related advertisements, so people who are already having problems with gambling can reach out and get help through the proper support channels connected with PAGCOR.

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

If they are to be reputable, they should be available for offering physical counseling, online counselling does not have the potential to effectively influence individuals who are chronically addicted to gambling.

I don't really see this platform setup much unusual, there had also been so many online courses that is with the aim to guide gamblers and keep them safe.
We also know that if it is not easy that these online course can change victims mindsets so easily like that otherwise many more victims would had been recovered by now but are still in to it.

What I just think about AD projects is that they are indirectly promoting gambling with that strategy too.

[DPHOR]

This would actually help to narrow down how quickly, or easily people just got addicted to gambling along the process, again with this, this is something that would make them receive feedback from other gamblers and users to know whom and which are gambling illegal. Gambling regularly implies and signifies how irresponsibly they could be while gambling, because a reputed gambler or someone who gambles responsibly would never go across or above their weekly and monthly income or budget.

[rbynxx]

This looks like good news. Just recently here in the Philippines, PAGCOR, which regulates licensed casinos and sportsbooks both online and offline, launched an initiative called the 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline or NPGH. From what I understand, they want this hotline promoted in gambling-related advertisements, so people who are already having problems with gambling can reach out and get help through the proper support channels connected with PAGCOR.

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

The question is, was there a need for that? Wad that necessary to have it, or is there a surge of related incidents involving gambling problem that tries to reach out? Yeah it's a hood initiative but I think there's a lot of gamblers in our country that doesn't try to call that hotline. More like for formality purposes, even if we take some survey I don't think there will be a lot of those who will take it, yeah there might be some that will do.

[Myleschetty]

This looks like good news. Just recently here in the Philippines, PAGCOR, which regulates licensed casinos and sportsbooks both online and offline, launched an initiative called the 24/7 National Problem Gambling Helpline or NPGH. From what I understand, they want this hotline promoted in gambling-related advertisements, so people who are already having problems with gambling can reach out and get help through the proper support channels connected with PAGCOR.

What do you think about this campaign, would it actually help reduce gambling addiction, or is it just a way for gambling operators and regulators to show that they are doing something?

Establishing my comprehension. PAGCOR's responsibility is to make sure that all gaming platforms adhere to the nation's responsible gaming service offering code of conduct, minimize potential harm to individual players and the community as a whole, prevent underage gambling on their platform, and prevent any kind of gambling addiction.
Despite the regulations, we shouldn't expect all gambling providers to abide by them, and we should anticipate that the PAGCOR will focus more on the gambling platform's taxes which will be advantageous to them than on the code of conduct.