PAGCOR Opens New Door for iGaming Firms

New Rules for Foreign Firms

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) introduced the new B2B rules last year. The rules cover gaming affiliates and support companies that work with licensed operators.

Foreign suppliers must first get PAGCOR approval before offering games in the country. The rules apply to game providers, aggregators, and gaming affiliates working with Philippine casinos.

Legal firm Arden Consult said the new framework is a big change for the market. The firm said the rules create a larger approval system for B2B gaming suppliers. The changes may affect how foreign firms enter the Philippine gaming market. Competition for local partners already appears to be growing.

Local Distributors Become More Important

PAGCOR now lets foreign firms work with local exclusive distributors, or EDs. These distributors must already be registered and approved in the Philippines. The distributor becomes the main contact with PAGCOR. Arden Consult said distributors will handle many compliance tasks for foreign firms.

These tasks include:

• filing documents

• handling game approvals

• keeping cash deposits

• answering PAGCOR requests

Firms Still Face Legal Risks

Arden Consult warned firms not to rush into agreements. The firm said companies still need proper legal and financial planning. Competition laws in the Philippines may still affect these deals. Exclusive partnerships could face review under the Philippine Competition Act.

PAGCOR also changed another rule after reports of anti-competitive behavior in the industry. Gaming System Administrators can no longer act as exclusive distributors. Companies must also think about taxes, intellectual property, and legal disputes. Arden Consult said each supplier may need a different agreement.

Online Gaming Revenue Keeps Rising

Interest from foreign gaming firms has grown as online gaming revenue continues to rise in the Philippines. PAGCOR said total gaming revenue reached PHP396.14 billion in 2025. That was 6.39% higher than the year before.

Electronic and online gaming operations generated PHP201.12 billion during the same year. The online gaming segment grew by more than 30%. Land-based casinos performed worse. Licensed casino revenue fell by nearly 10%.

PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco said online gaming is now leading industry growth in the country. He also said economic pressure continues to hurt land-based gaming markets around the world. Higher fuel costs and weaker travel demand are still affecting many traditional gaming businesses. Even so, online gaming may continue to grow under PAGCOR’s new rules.