As SiGMA Asia draws the industry to Manila, this article breaks down the rules and real-world requirements behind one of Asia’s biggest regulated markets. 

Key Developments Over the Decades

Betting was never a foreign concept to the Philippines, but regulation certainly was, until the mid-1970s. From cockfighting rings to community card games, informal betting was common, albeit largely unregulated and susceptible to abuse. That changed in 1977 when President Ferdinand Marcos established the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) under a Presidential Decree. For the first time, gambling had a legal framework, and the government had a direct hand in both regulation and operations.

In the decades that followed, PAGCOR's dual role shaped a local setting of land-based casinos, bingo parlours and gaming venues. Then came the POGO era. By the mid-2010s, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators became the industry’s fastest-growing sector, drawing billions from Chinese and other foreign players. At its peak, the POGO segment contributed over 11 per cent of PAGCOR’s total revenue. 

This early enthusiasm, however, soon gave way to mounting concerns. Rising crime, murky corporate structures, and mounting pressure from foreign governments quickly eroded confidence in the model. By late 2024, it was over. Executive Order No. 74 came into force, shutting down all offshore operations and support services as of January 2025.

While the offshore market collapsed, the domestic side quietly flourished. Recognising the change, PAGCOR expanded its Electronic Gaming Licensing Department (EGLD) to support local-facing online operations. Licences were granted for e-bingo, RNG games, sports betting and poker, as long as they were tied to physical sites and complied with strict IP-blocking rules. This transition has triggered a new phase of growth, particularly in mobile-first verticals.

For iGaming operators, the Philippine market has evolved from a tempting frontier to a rules-based arena. Success here means understanding not just what’s permitted but how PAGCOR expects it to be delivered.
 

Who Regulates What in 2025

Making sense of the regulatory environment of the Philippine gambling industry requires a clear understanding of the various agencies and their evolving roles. Below is an overview of the key regulatory bodies as of 2025.
 

PAGCOR’s Responsibilities and Dual Role

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has historically held a dual mandate, functioning as the country's primary regulator and operator of gambling activities. Initially established by Presidential Decree No. 1067-A in 1977, PAGCOR was tasked with regulating gaming establishments and directly operating casinos under the Casino Filipino brand.

In recent developments, PAGCOR has initiated steps to transition into a purely regulatory body. This move aims to privatise its casino operations, focus solely on oversight, and ensure a level playing field for all industry participants. During the IAG Academy Summit on September 13, 2023,  PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco emphasised that this shift is designed to “level the playing field and ensure future growth and viability for all gaming industry players”.

This divestment plan is expected to materialise by 2026 and, as PAGCOR leadership publicly confirmed, reflects the regulator’s current policy trajectory.
 

Special Economic Zones

Beyond PAGCOR, several special economic zones have played roles in the licensing and regulation of gambling operations:

Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA): Established under Republic Act No. 7922, CEZA was authorised to grant licences for online gaming operations targeting offshore markets. It is responsible for managing and supervising the development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP).

 In practice, CEZA implements its authority through strategic partnerships with designated Master Licensors, who are tasked with overseeing both online and land-based gambling activities on its behalf. This model enhances CEZA’s operational reach and provides a delegated framework for licensing and compliance.

Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO): Fundamentally, APECO had the authority to license online gaming entities within its jurisdiction (province of Aurora, Luzon).

Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB): AFAB also ventured into gaming licensing to attract operators to its zone.

However, the relevance of these zones has diminished over time. Executive directives, such as Executive Order No. 13 (2017), sought to clarify overlapping jurisdictions and reinforce PAGCOR’s regulatory mandate while still recognising the authority of special economic zones such as CEZA and APECO to issue licences within their borders. 

In practice, though, national policy has steadily moved toward centralisation. That trajectory was reinforced in 2024 with the government’s ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which significantly curtailed operations linked to these zones.
 

Roles of GAB, AMLC, and NPC

Several other agencies contribute to the regulatory framework:

Games and Amusements Board (GAB): GAB oversees professional sports and related betting activities, ensuring integrity and compliance within the sports betting sector.

Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC): Tasked with preventing money laundering activities, the AMLC collaborates with PAGCOR and other agencies to monitor and enforce compliance with anti-money laundering laws within the national gaming industry.

National Privacy Commission (NPC): With the rise of online gaming, the NPC ensures that operators adhere to data privacy regulations, safeguarding the personal information of players.
 

Regulatory Fragmentation and Centralisation under PAGCOR

The Philippine gambling industry has experienced much regulatory fragmentation over the years, with multiple agencies and economic zones issuing licences and overseeing operations. This led to inconsistencies and challenges in enforcement. Recognising these issues, the government has been steadily working towards centralising regulatory authority under PAGCOR. The transition of PAGCOR to a purely regulatory body and the phasing out of POGOs are steps in this direction, aiming to create a more efficient and transparent regulatory environment.

Offshore Ban and Its Impact (Executive Order 74)

​In a decisive move to address escalating concerns over illegal activities linked to offshore gaming, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 74 on November 5 2024, mandating the immediate cessation of all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) by December 31 2024. 

What Does It Mean In Practice?

The executive order explicitly prohibits issuing new licences and renewing existing permits for offshore gaming operations. This directive aims to eliminate unregulated online gambling activities associated with crimes such as financial scams, money laundering, and human trafficking. Operators previously engaged in offshore gaming are now forced to either cease operations or explore avenues within the domestic regulatory framework established by PAGCOR.

The Crackdown

In alignment with Executive Order  74, Philippine authorities have intensified enforcement actions against illegal POGO operations. This crackdown has led to numerous raids, resulting in the arrest of operators and the rescue of individuals subjected to exploitative conditions. In addition, the Office of the Solicitor General has initiated proceedings to seize assets acquired through illicit activities, including real estate and other properties linked to unauthorised gaming operations. 

Licensing & Compliance: What Operators Must Know

Now that the offshore era is over, domestic licensing is the only path available for operators serious about tapping into the Philippine market. And that route runs through PAGCOR. Executive Order No. 74 has fundamentally reset the rules, and licensing here is more than just paperwork; it’s a process layered with legal, technical, and procedural demands.

This section explores licensing types, platform obligations, and compliance infrastructure. If you plan to launch or localise operations in the Philippines, the following matters more than ever.
 

EGLD Licences

PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department (EGLD) issues the following types of domestic licences: 

Traditional bingo games

E-bingo games

E-casino games

Sports betting

Specialty games

Online poker games

Numeric games

Other games that may be allowed by PAGCOR in the future

These licences are specifically for operations targeting players located in the Philippines, distinguishing them from the discontinued offshore POGO framework.

Core licensing conditions for all categories:

Local Incorporation
Applicants must be registered as a duly organised entity in the Philippines, complying with corporate law. While majority Filipino ownership is not explicitly mandated, incorporators must include Philippine residents (as per SEC regulations).

Server & Infrastructure Location
All gaming servers, backup systems, and databases must be physically hosted within the Philippines. PAGCOR-approved monitoring systems must be in place for auditing and regulatory access.

Compliance & KYC Systems
Licensed operators are required to carry out Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures for both new and existing players. This includes verifying player identity, age, and source of funds, and implementing measures to support anti-money laundering and responsible gaming obligations.

IP & Geo-Blocking
Operators must restrict access exclusively to users located within Philippine territory. IP filtering and geo-location verification are mandatory technical safeguards.

Lab Certification
All games and betting platforms must be tested and certified by a PAGCOR-recognised independent testing laboratory.

Cultural Heritage Foundation Requirement (Land-Based Casino Operators)

In addition to standard licensing obligations, PAGCOR imposes a unique social responsibility requirement on certain land-based casino licensees. Operators in designated areas such as Clark are mandated to establish dedicated foundations, funded by a fixed percentage of gross gaming revenue from non-junket table games. These foundations support cultural preservation and socio-civic projects in alignment with PAGCOR’s broader public mandate. While this does not apply to online licensees under the EGLD, it reflects PAGCOR’s commitment to integrating public benefit into the gaming sector.
 

Fees and Terms

Operators seeking licensure from PAGCOR's Entertainment Licensing Department (EGLD) must adhere to the following financial obligations and validity periods:​

Application and Processing Fees: A non-refundable application fee is required upon submission. The exact amount varies depending on the particular gaming activity and is detailed in PAGCOR's fee schedules. The Regulatory Framework for the Fees and Rates on Gaming Venue Operations (Revision No. 3) outlines these fees comprehensively. 

Licence Fees: Upon approval, operators must remit the corresponding licence fee before commencing operations. This fee is determined based on the gaming category and is specified in the regulatory framework mentioned above. ​

Validity Period: Licences for new gambling sites are typically granted for a period of one year and are subject to renewal. Renewal license validity is two years, contingent upon continued compliance with PAGCOR's regulations and the timely submission of required documentation. ​

Regulatory Fees: In addition to the initial fees, licensees must pay ongoing regulatory costs, which may include a percentage of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or fixed monthly charges, as stipulated by PAGCOR. ​
 

Platform Infrastructure Requirements

Infrastructure compliance is non-negotiable. Under Section III(A)(5) of PAGCOR’s Regulatory Framework for the Remote Gaming Platform, remote gaming service providers must submit certification from an independent gaming laboratory confirming that IP blocking is in place to restrict access exclusively to Philippine-based IP addresses. Additional platform requirements typically include geo-fencing, IP restrictions, and anti-VPN measures, alongside standards for KYC, responsible gaming, and system integrity.

This is one of the most rigid areas of PAGCOR’s framework, and foreign operators used to regional hosting arrangements, such as in Taiwan or Singapore, will need to recalibrate. Operators must integrate e-KYC and customer due diligence processes that meet Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) standards. This includes multi-level ID verification, player risk assessment, and active monitoring of the source of funds, where applicable. PAGCOR’s compliance guide also outlines data logging and encryption standards that are aligned with the National Privacy Commission (NPC).

The Regulatory Framework for the Accreditation of Service Providers and Processing of System-Related Requests (Rev. No. 3) outlines PAGCOR's technical and platform expectations, including accreditation procedures and system-related processing requests. A full list of PAGCOR-accredited service providers and online gaming platforms as of March 2025 is also available for operators evaluating technical partners or platform vendors.

Furthermore, recent developments highlight PAGCOR's commitment to stricter oversight, as detailed in AffPapa's article on the new accreditation framework for iGaming, which introduces updated compliance requirements for affiliates and B2B providers.

Backend platforms must maintain 24/7 remote access for regulators, who may conduct surprise audits or trigger event-based investigations. This has prompted some operators to move toward API-first platforms with automated compliance alerts, which are particularly useful where micromarket or esports volumes make manual tracking impractical.

Responsible Gambling, AML and Data Compliance

Since being removed from the FATF grey list in early 2025, the Philippines has made notable progress in tightening oversight and gaining trust among global stakeholders. This milestone was formally acknowledged in the FATF Public Statement (February 2025), which recognised improvements in the country’s AML/CFT framework and regulatory enforcement. This means a more transparent environment that demands clear, verifiable accountability for operators.

At the heart of this shift is a stronger focus on transaction oversight. Operators are expected to monitor player activity and report transactions that raise red flags, whether due to size, frequency, or unusual behaviour. These expectations form part of a broader push to detect and prevent money laundering, with financial watchdogs taking a more active role in cross-checking platform activity.

This heightened scrutiny feeds directly into the country’s KYC obligations. All licensees must conduct ID verification, assess player risk levels, and record essential data in a way that satisfies both gaming regulators and privacy authorities. Personal and financial data must be stored securely (Data Privacy Act of 2012), with clear access, retention, and breach reporting rules, overseen by the National Privacy Commission.

Tied into this is the country’s Responsible Gambling Code of Practice, which lays out precise requirements for timeout options, self-exclusion registers, and limitations on promotional targeting. Operators must offer tools for customers to manage their play while avoiding marketing practices that could exploit at-risk groups.
 

How to Apply for a Gaming Licence in the Philippines

Before any bets are placed or platforms go live, there’s a licensing process to go through. In the Philippines, that means dealing directly with PAGCOR, the governing body regulating market entry. Here’s how to approach it.

Step 1: Incorporate a Philippine Entity

Applicants must be registered as a business enterprise in the Philippines. This includes registering with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), securing a local business permit, and complying with corporate ownership and residency rules.

Step 2: Letter of Intent

Begin the application process by drafting a letter addressed to PAGCOR's Chairman and CEO, expressing your intent to apply for a gaming licence.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Documentation typically includes:

SEC registration and Articles of Incorporation
Notarised board resolution applying for a licence
Location map and lease agreement (if applicable)
Technical infrastructure plans and systems architecture
Description of game types, player acquisition models, and responsible gambling controls

Step 4: Complete the Application Kit

PAGCOR provides downloadable forms via its Application Kit portal, including EG Form No. 1 for operator licence applications.

Step 5: Submit to PAGCOR

Applications must be submitted physically to PAGCOR’s corporate office in Pasay City. There is no option for online submission.

Step 6: Await Evaluation and Inspection

PAGCOR reviews the documents, may request clarifications, and conducts a site inspection or technical assessment. The approval timeframe varies depending on complexity.

Step 7: Pay Fees and Secure Licence

Once approved, operators are invoiced for the licence and regulatory fees. Upon payment, a Certificate of Accreditation or Licence to Operate is issued.

Continue reading in detail here.