Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a new memo outlining strict compliance deadlines for suppliers under its forthcoming B2B regulatory framework for online gaming. The rules apply to gaming system administrators (GSAs), game content providers, resellers and streaming-related services operating in the country. The regulator has cautioned that failure to comply could result in systems being declared unauthorised and operations being ordered to stop.
PAGCOR Introduces New Regulations for B2B Gaming Operators: Quick Summary
- PAGCOR has issued a memo dated January 29, setting out firm compliance deadlines for B2B suppliers serving the online gaming sector. The rules apply to GSAs, content providers, resellers and streaming-related services.
- Operators and GSAs must submit a full list of B2B suppliers by February 12, which PAGCOR will compare against its accreditation records. Association with unlicensed providers would trigger cease-and-desist orders requiring immediate suspension of operations.
- All B2B suppliers must complete accreditation by March 31, including payment of Php1 million (€15,600), where applicable. Foreign live-dealer operators must maintain a physical studio or branch office in the Philippines. Non-compliance will lead to penalties or a complete shutdown.
New B2B Compliance Deadlines Outlined
The Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation, in a memo dated January 29, introduces transitional deadlines requiring Gaming System Administrators and operators to submit a full list of B2B suppliers by February 12. The regulator will cross-check these lists against its accreditation records to identify non-compliant providers.
Where unaccredited suppliers are found, cease-and-desist orders will be issued instructing GSAs to stop using them. PAGCOR has reiterated that all B2B suppliers must complete accreditation by March 31. Starting from April 1, GSAs must also pay a minimum monthly guarantee fee.
Resellers and game content providers need to pay a performance cash deposit of Php1 million (approximately €15,600). Accreditation requirements also cover the application for a Permit to Hold gaming equipment and paraphernalia, where applicable.
The regulator has confirmed that foreign operators offering live dealer games must maintain a physical studio or branch office in the Philippines. PAGCOR said this requirement is intended to support audits, inspections and ongoing compliance monitoring. Live dealer operations based entirely outside the country may be treated as unlicensed.
Regulatory Context and Industry Impact
The memo also outlines reporting obligations related to games of chance that suppliers intend to offer. These measures form part of a broader effort to ensure that online gambling operators are properly documented and supervised. PAGCOR warned that non-compliance may result in fines, penalties and forced shutdowns.
The latest update follows PAGCOR’s October regulatory guidelines, which laid the foundation for online game suppliers. The watchdog had also partnered with the National Privacy Commission at the time to strengthen data privacy protocols in the remote gaming sector.
The regulator has described the framework as essential to stabilising the iGaming sector following rapid growth and increased political scrutiny. Concerns raised by lawmakers and anti-gambling groups have intensified calls for tighter oversight. PAGCOR has said a clear and professional regulatory system is critical to the industry’s long-term health.
This has become necessary after the mandated separation of licensed gaming platforms from e-wallet providers. Chairman and Chief Executive of PAGCOR, Alejandro Tengco, stated that the agency is preparing a position paper for the central bank. He said the document will outline recent regulatory improvements and seek the restoration of direct e-wallet links for licensed operators.
The latest memo underscores PAGCOR’s intention to enforce local presence, accreditation and transparency across the online gaming supply chain. Operators are expected to review supplier agreements and ensure all documentation is complete before the deadlines. The regulator said timely compliance will be necessary to avoid disruption as the new B2B framework takes effect.