PAGCOR Unveils Ambitious Plan: Launching Gaming Academy to Elevate Industry Talent
By John Ross Calderon
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is set to revolutionize talent development in the gaming sector with its ambitious plan to establish a Gaming Academy. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the industry and elevate the Philippines’ position as a gaming hub.
PAGCOR envisions the Gaming Academy as a comprehensive institution that caters not only to local talent but also to individuals across various jurisdictions. By collaborating with Asian gaming education providers, the academy aims to create a consortium focused on gaming education and talent development.
During a private event held in Macau, PAGCOR representatives outlined their aspirations for the academy. They anticipate signing agreements with Asian partners, with South Korea being a likely location for the signing ceremony. These partnerships will facilitate knowledge exchange, curriculum development, and faculty training.
As PAGCOR privatizes its Casino Filipino operations, it creates unique opportunities for approximately 6,000 employees involved in land-based gaming. The Gaming Academy aligns with PAGCOR’s transformation into a purely regulatory body, emphasizing talent development and upskilling.
The proposed institute will go beyond basic training. It aims to offer specialized courses and potentially post-graduate studies in gaming tourism. Dr. Angelito Domingo, Vice President of PAGCOR’s Human Resource and Development Group, emphasizes the need for continuous talent development to meet industry demands.
Senior Vice President Daniel Cecilio, responsible for Land-Based Operations, fully supports the academy’s establishment. With 70% of the Philippines’ gross gaming revenue coming from land-based licensed casinos, skilled professionals are essential for sustained growth. The average age of PAGCOR employees is 42, highlighting the urgency of upscaling and upgrading across the industry.
In summary, PAGCOR’s Gaming Academy represents a forward-looking approach to talent development, ensuring a sustainable and skilled workforce for the gaming industry in the Philippines and beyond.
Smart move: PAGCOR addresses real talent shortage while cementing Philippines as regional gaming powerhouse.
We're watching regulatory bodies take direct control of workforce development. That's significant. When PAGCOR builds an academy, they're not just filling seats—they're shaping industry standards, compliance culture, and competitive advantage across the entire market. This shapes who plays in the Philippine sandbox for the next decade.
- PAGCOR establishing dedicated Gaming Academy to address skilled professional shortage
- Initiative positions Philippines as serious regional gaming hub with structured talent pipeline
- Academy signals PAGCOR's commitment to elevating industry standards beyond operations
SCCG angle: We connect operators across 30+ regulated markets. If you're looking at Philippines growth, understanding PAGCOR's talent infrastructure play matters—it affects your hiring timeline, training costs, and local compliance capability. Let us map how this academy reshapes your workforce strategy in that market.
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