Leveling the Playing Field

THE GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS BOARD (GAB) IS THE FEARLESS WATCHDOG OF PHILIPPINE SPORTS, PROTECTING ATHLETES AND CRUSHING ILLEGAL GAMBLING. LED BY CHAIRMAN FRANCISCO J. RIVERA, IT'S DRIVING A BOLD, TECH-POWERED MISSION TO CLEAN UP THE GAME AND LEVEL THE FIELD.

While most are familiar with the Games and Amusements Board’s (GAB) primary responsibilities, which include issuing licenses and monitoring compliance among professional athletes, its mission extends far beyond these visible duties. According to GAB Chairman Francisco J. Rivera, the Agency plays a crucial role in f ighting illegal sports betting and gambling activities intertwined with professional sports and amusement games in the Philippines.

As the sole government authority overseeing the regulation of professional sports nationwide, the GAB is tasked with a broad spectrum of responsibilities. These include enforcing laws, supervising game officials and sports personnel, and most importantly, safeguarding the integrity of athletic competitions from corruption and illegal influences. Rivera, a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in private legal practice, emphasizes that the Agency’s work demands  the same rigorous investigative discipline he cultivated in the courtroom. He explains that one very important discipline lawyers must possess is the ability to get to the bottom of things. Rivera states, “We investigate and gather all the facts, and it is only when we feel that the facts are sufficient to support the conclusion that we make a decision. This is an integral discipline in a regulating body like the GAB.”

It’s a philosophy that has shaped the Agency’s modern identity, one that goes beyond issuing permits and monitoring sports events. In Rivera’s view, the real work often happens far from the spotlight: in investigations, inter-agency coordination, and the integral pursuit of due diligence. It’s the kind of vigilance the public seldom sees but benefits from daily.

GAB’s evolution reflects this silent dedication. Formed in 1951 by Executive Order No. 392, the Agency was originally tasked with consolidating fragmented powers held by local mayors, boxing and wrestling commissioners, and racing authorities. Over the decades, as Philippine sports grew in scope and complexity, so did GAB’s mandate. The addition of professional basketball in the mid-1970s marked a turning point, followed by the creation of the Anti-Illegal Gambling Unit (AIGU) in 1992, an inter-agency task force aimed at dismantling underground betting networks.

 By 1993, the gency had taken on additional responsibilities, including the regulation of international cockfight derbies. Today, it oversees a diverse range of disciplines: from Muay Thai and mixed martial arts to billiards, bowling, tennis, and women’s boxing. Each represents a community of athletes, officials, and fans, many unaware of the rigorous safeguards in place to protect their sports from corruption.

The GAB may not always command headlines, but its role in shaping Philippine sports is undeniable. Under Rivera’s leadership, it remains committed to a vision of fair play not just in rules, but in principle. In a game where careers are on the line, fair play and public trust are the real wins.

RULES BEFORE RISKS

Despite the parallels between his former life as a litigator and his current role as Head of a regulatory agency, Rivera is the first to note a crucial difference: time is of the essence at the GAB. “Professional athletes have a shelf life,” he says bluntly. Careers can be cut short by injury or decline, and every game, every season, is a make or-break moment. Delays in resolving disputes or licensing issues don’t just inconvenience players, they can derail entire careers.

That urgency has shaped the way the GAB handles cases. Unlike in the courtroom, where proceedings can drag on for months or even years, the board works under a different clock. “We don’t have the luxury of time,” Rivera explains. “We must act swiftly—but always fairly.” One advantage is that the facts in GAB cases are often clear-cut and immediately available. While legal nuance remains, the disputes are typically grounded in events or actions that have already been documented. “It’s rarely a mystery,” Rivera notes. “Most facts are already known or easily established. It’s just a matter of due diligence—and applying it quickly.”

Still, he is quick to clarify that speed doesn’t mean cutting corners. Beneath the surface of these seemingly straightforward cases are layers of complexity that demand attention and care. But with a seasoned legal mind at the helm and a system built for responsiveness, the GAB has found a balance: swift resolution without compromising justice.

In some cases, the GAB doesn’t work alone. Rivera notes that the Agency has established agreements and close coordination with law enforcement bodies, most notably the Philippine National Police (PNP), for cases that require further investigation and enforcement. Under this agreement, the PNP may be called upon to help uphold GAB regulations, especially when potential illegal activities are suspected within the leagues and organizations under the board’s jurisdiction. “When we bring in the PNP or have them attached to GAB operations, it signals that there may be something serious happening within our regulated entities,” Rivera explains. “It’s a big deal. Because if they have to intercede, then it becomes a matter of national interest.”

Although cases of this scale are uncommon, GAB is fully prepared to handle them when necessary to protect the integrity of professional sports. Still, Rivera stresses that prevention remains the priority. To reduce the need for external intervention, the GAB requires all sanctioned sports leagues to develop and submit their own internal rules and anti-game f ixing policies for review. “This is to encourage our leagues to be self-regulating,” Rivera says. “If they can police themselves effectively, then the chances of government or law enforcement needing to step in are significantly reduced.”

THE ONLINE FRONTLINE

Aligned with its partnerships with law enforcement agencies, the GAB also operates its own Anti-Illegal Gambling Unit (AIGU), a specialized body created under the directive of the Office of the President. “Our AIGU is tasked with investigating illegal gambling activities within the entities we regulate,” says Rivera. While the lines between the mandates of GAB and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are sometimes blurred in the public eye, Rivera clarifies that the GAB’s jurisdiction through the AIGU can, in fact, extend to certain franchises under PAGCOR if there are signs of illicit activities. “In such cases, the AIGU functions like a law enforcement arm, investigating unauthorized gambling operations within PAGCOR-regulated franchises,” he explains.

The AIGU’s scope also includes vigilant surveillance of online and offshore gambling sites, particularly those involved in illegal sports betting. Rivera shares that once unlicensed or suspicious websites are flagged by the AIGU, they are reported to the National Telecommunications Commission, which then alerts telecommunications companies to probe these sites and, when warranted, block or shut them down. “We’ve done this regularly,” Rivera says. “Since I assumed my post at the board, our Unit has identified and reported roughly 100 such sites. That number is only an estimate, of course, as online gambling is a fast-moving, ever-evolving space.”

The GAB continues to face complex and unconventional applications from entities seeking licenses to operate within the Philippines. One such case involved a horse racing platform that proposed accepting bets from Filipino users on races conducted overseas. “It was a novel concept,” recalls Rivera. “The platform planned to livestream races held in countries like India while accepting wagers locally. They came to us seeking authority to operate.”

The proposal, however, raised several regulatory red f lags. Rivera explains that after a thorough review and internal research, the GAB ultimately denied the application. “Horse racing in the Philippines is under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Racing Commission (PRC), and our mandate as a government agency does not extend beyond national borders. Since the races in question would be held abroad, the PRC would have no way to supervise or enforce standards on those events.” Surprisingly, the applicant did not challenge the GAB’s ruling. “We expected them to appeal, but they didn’t,” Rivera notes. “Cases like this reveal just how intricate, and at times murky, the landscape of online gaming and betting has become. It’s a constant effort to stay one step ahead of unregulated or borderline operations.”

PROTECTING THE ATHLETES

Rivera wears his passion for sports, particularly boxing, on his sleeve. Step into his office and you're immediately greeted by a display of boxing memorabilia, a testament to his lifelong admiration for the sport. At first glance, one might even assume he once stepped into the ring himself. While he didn’t pursue boxing professionally, Rivera says his deep-rooted love for athletics played a pivotal role in his shift from private legal practice to public service. “I’ve always believed you’re at your best when you love what you’re doing and you’re good at it,” he says. “When the opportunity came, I took it. And to this day, I still strive to be good at it.”

That genuine love for athletics gives Rivera a unique perspective in his role. It also allows him to connect with the professional athletes under GAB’s jurisdiction, individuals whose careers often hinge on the permits and licenses the Agency issues. “We hold all athletes to the same standard,” Rivera explains. “Whether you’re a basketball player or a boxer, you must conduct yourself in a way that upholds the integrity of your sport.”

For Rivera, one of the toughest parts of the job is protecting athletes, not just from outside threats, but often from their own decisions. “Let’s say a boxer decides to compete abroad without securing the proper permits or licenses from the GAB,” he says. “That’s already a violation. Some athletes go ahead and do it anyway, and I find it hard to understand why. Getting permission isn’t difficult.”

The problem, he adds, is that many are lured by the prestige of international competition or the promise of bigger paydays. “We don’t stop athletes from competing overseas,” Rivera clarifies. “But we do require them to follow certain protocols, such as rest periods, to safeguard their health. Some ignore that, and when they return, they’re injured or worse. Some can’t even renew their licenses. Their careers are effectively over.”

Rivera also emphasizes that athletes who violate the rules and regulations of the GAB and their respective leagues are subject to fair but firm penalties. One high-profile case currently on public record involves a professional basketball player who was apprehended in September 2024 following an altercation that escalated into a shooting. “The case is still pending, but in situations as serious as this, where law enforcement must intervene, the maximum administrative penalty we can impose is the confiscation of the athlete’s license,” Rivera explained. “If found guilty in court, the athlete will no longer be eligible to renew his professional license.”

However, Rivera clarified that because the case is still under judicial review and being handled by the proper authorities, the option to reapply for a license remains open, but only in the event of an acquittal. “We revoked his license while the criminal proceedings are ongoing. In many ways, it’s like temporarily cutting off someone’s livelihood, and I recognize that,” Rivera said. “But at the same time, we have a mandate to uphold the integrity of professional sports. Rules are rules. If he is acquitted, we are open to reassessing the case.”

 At the heart of GAB’s regulatory framework, Rivera says, is a commitment to athlete welfare. “What we do is ultimately for their protection. We’re not here to hold them back, we’re here to make sure they have a future.”

SHAPING LEGACIES In line with the GAB’s mission to modernize and enhance its services, Rivera underscores how innovation and adaptability have become essential to their mandate. “At GAB, we try to leverage technology to streamline operations and improve our services,” he says. “Just a month ago, we launched our online license application and processing system. While we’re still fine-tuning the platform, athletes can now conveniently renew licenses and access GAB-related documents anytime, anywhere.”

This digital shift has already proven to be a major improvement, especially in handling medical records and annual license renewals. By reducing red tape and wait times, GAB is helping athletes spend less time on bureaucracy and more time in training and competing. “It’s all about efficiency. And with licenses only valid for a year, the system saves precious hours that matter most to our professionals.”

As Esports continues to rise on the global stage, Rivera also points out that GAB has extended its standards and protocols to this growing industry. “The Philippines is now recognized as a breeding ground for top-tier Esports athletes,” he says. “We’re making sure they’re equipped with the same support and structure we offer our traditional athletes, especially when they compete abroad.”

GAB is currently pursuing ISO accreditation, a bold move aimed at aligning its operations with world-class standards. “It’s not easy,” Rivera admits. “Standardizing process, retraining staff, rerouting paperwork into a digital system, it’s a massive undertaking. But we’re halfway there. And one of our biggest challenges remains creating tighter, smarter protocols for online activity surveillance.”

On the ground, Rivera sees no shortage of potential among Filipino athletes. “In terms of skill, we’re on par with international talent,” he says. "But if there’s a gap, it’s stamina, especially among our boxers. It’s not just about building muscle anymore. We need to invest in sports science, recovery, nutrition, and endurance training.” This is why the GAB has started bringing in dieticians and endurance experts to elevate training programs. “We want every Filipino athlete, regardless of discipline and hometown, to have access to support that helps them compete at the highest level,” he explains.

But for Rivera, this isn’t just about policy or programs, it’s personal. “If I can help our athletes by ensuring their licenses are processed on time and by removing unnecessary roadblocks, then I’ve done my job,” he says. “We’re here to clear the path, not clutter it. Our goal is simple: let our athletes focus on becoming the best in the world.” And with that, he adds one final note that speaks volumes: “If GAB can level the field and be the springboard that launches Filipino world champions, then we’re not just regulating sports, we’re shaping legacies.”