Authorities in the Philippines are intensifying efforts to combat illegal gambling through enhanced coordination between the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), PAGCOR, and national enforcement bodies. The move reflects a broader government push to address the scale of unlicensed online gambling while reinforcing oversight across the regulated iGaming ecosystem.
At the same time, regulators are tightening compliance requirements within the legal market, particularly targeting business-to-business (B2B) suppliers, signalling a dual-track approach focused on both enforcement and regulatory control.
Multi-Agency Crackdown Targets Illegal Gambling Networks
The intensified enforcement drive follows a rise in complaints linked to illegal online gambling platforms, highlighting the growing scale of unregulated activity in the country.
A key development is the formal partnership between the CICC and the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC), aimed at strengthening action against organised digital crime, including illegal gambling operations. Speaking during the agreement announcement, CICC Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso stated:
This time, the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission will be our partner in taking action against illegal online gambling and other illegal online harms affecting our citizens.
The partnership expands enforcement capabilities and enables authorities to target organised networks operating across multiple digital channels.
Key elements of the crackdown include:
- Joint operations between CICC, PAGCOR, and law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle illegal gambling networks
- Increased monitoring of online platforms, mobile apps, and social media channels used to promote unlicensed gambling
- Expanded cooperation with PAOCC to address organised crime linked to digital gambling activities
- Enforcement actions targeting promoters, affiliates, and facilitators directing users to illegal platforms
PAGCOR Extends Oversight to B2B Supply Chains
In parallel with enforcement efforts, PAGCOR is strengthening its regulatory framework by requiring full accreditation of B2B service providers operating within the iGaming ecosystem. This move ensures that compliance obligations extend beyond operators to include all entities involved in delivering gambling services.
Key requirements include:
- Mandatory accreditation for all iGaming service providers, including platform suppliers and content providers
- Integration of compliance checks across entire operator supply chains
- Enforcement deadlines requiring providers to secure approval or risk exclusion from the regulated market
These measures build on earlier regulatory updates, where PAGCOR introduced new rules requiring accreditation of B2B suppliers across the iGaming ecosystem, reinforcing accountability at every level of operation.
A Dual Strategy: Enforcement and Regulatory Control
The Philippines is adopting a dual approach that combines targeted enforcement against illegal operators with tighter controls within the licensed market.
This reflects a broader regulatory trend in emerging iGaming jurisdictions, where authorities are working to reduce the influence of unlicensed platforms while ensuring licensed operators meet higher compliance standards. Recent updates to PAGCOR’s framework have also placed increased emphasis on responsible gambling measures and stricter online gaming rules, reinforcing the regulator’s commitment to player protection alongside enforcement efforts.
Illegal operators remain a persistent challenge due to their offshore structures and ability to operate across borders, making coordinated enforcement and digital monitoring essential.
Implications for the iGaming Industry in the Philippines
The latest developments signal a clear direction for the Philippine market:
- Operators must ensure compliance across their entire supply chain, not just at the platform level
- B2B providers face increased scrutiny, making accreditation essential for continued market participation
- Enforcement efforts are expected to intensify, particularly against digital promotion channels and organised networks
Overall, the Philippines is positioning itself as a jurisdiction focused on strengthening regulatory integrity while actively reducing illegal gambling activity, setting a framework that could influence other markets in the region.