The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has decided to postpone the introduction of the new monthly minimum guaranteed fee (MGF) for licensed online operators by two months, according to a memorandum and media reports.

According to Inside Asian Gaming, the delay by PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department is likely due to the “current economic crisis.” As a result, the first phase has been pushed back from April 1, 2026, to June 1, 2026, and the second phase from October 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027.

Operators offering electronic casino games in the Philippine online gaming market will be required to pay a monthly MGF of PHP 9 million (approximately $153,800) after the first phase is implemented, provided their minimum monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaches PHP 30 million (around $512,700).

Companies that do not offer online casino games will be required to pay PHP 3 million monthly (approximately $51,300) if their minimum monthly GGR is PHP 15 million (around $256,350).

In the second phase, online casino operators will need to pay a monthly MGF of PHP 10.5 million (approximately $179,300) with a minimum monthly GGR of PHP 35 million (around $597,400).

Operators not offering online casino games will be required to pay a monthly MGF of PHP 4 million (approximately $68,200) if their minimum GGR per month is PHP 20 million (around $341,000).

Any operator offering online casino titles without notifying PAGCOR may face administrative penalties, including suspension or revocation of accreditation.

Inside Asian Gaming reported that the memorandum also states PAGCOR will conduct a detailed assessment of current industry conditions to determine whether further adjustments to MGF implementation are necessary for long-term sector sustainability.
 

PAGCOR Tightens Regulation

Despite the delay in MGF implementation, PAGCOR has recently been strengthening oversight of the gaming market, entering agreements with the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).

With the signing of the new memorandum with the DOJ, agency personnel have been added to PAGCOR’s list of persons prohibited from entering casinos.

According to the state-run Philippine News Agency, this is the first agreement signed between a government body and the state gaming regulator.

Justice Secretary, Fredderick Vida, noted: “This data-sharing initiative is both timely and necessary. By enabling a more efficient and accurate identification system, we strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure that policies are not only written but meaningfully implemented. 

“It allows PAGCOR to better regulate access to gaming revenues and empowers the DOJ to reinforce discipline within its ranks.”

Meanwhile, GLI has become the first gaming testing company to be certified by PAGCOR, charged with testing and certifying the iGaming platforms that comprise the Philippines’ gaming market.

Alejandro Tengco, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of PAGCOR, commented: “We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming, and EGM testing/certification, and data security.

“PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply with the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players.”

 

 

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