The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced sweeping changes to its regulatory requirements, ensuring that B2B service providers gain official approval as part of a new framework requirement.

A 30 April memo confirmed PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department’s plans to release a Regulatory Framework for the Accreditation of Gaming Affiliates and Support Service providers.

As a result, for the first time, entities supporting iGaming, such as game aggregators, game content providers, payment providers and KYC providers, will be required to undergo formal accreditation. Previously, such businesses had operated within the Filipino gaming ecosystem without the need for formal registration.

While it is not an official licence, as required by operators, it will be mandatory for those supporting operators to gain the approval of the Philippines regulator.

As part of the overhaul and in an effort to standardise the roles and responsibilities of B2B participants, a reclassification will also take place. Currently, such entities are referred to as Gaming System Service Providers, however, they will now fall under the category of Gaming System Administrators. 

In addition, there will be further financial requirements. Those seeking accreditation will be required to pay an application or renewal fee, as well as a performance Cash Deposit.

Keith McDonnell, Director at the KMI Group, told iGaming Expert that PAGCOR’s latest policy change was the natural progression for the regulator as it continues its push to strengthen regulatory oversight.

“It’s a natural next step for PAGCOR to ensure end-to-end policing and regulation of all iGaming-related business in the Philippines and avoid the infiltration of ‘bad actors’, something they have tried hard to eradicate since the regulator overhaul started,” he explained. 

In a Linkedin post, Tonet Quiogue, Founder of Arden Consult, also noted that the policy marks “a significant shift” in the oversight surrounding service providers in the iGaming industry.

“For the first time, entities like KYC providers, game aggregators, payment gateways, and others servicing licensed inland eGaming/iGaming operators will be subject to formal accreditation,” she said. “This has been in the works for some time and will have wide-ranging implications for those supporting the regulated ecosystem.”

Alongside news of the regulatory overhaul, PAGCOR also released results from the first quarter of trading in 2025.

Headlining the financials was an 11% year-on-year rise in revenue to Php 28.07bn (£379.2m) from Php 25.24bn (£344.8m).

The majority of this revenue (Php 25.52bn) was derived from gaming operations, led the way in this sector by electronic games and E-bingo, contributing 56% (Php 14.32bn) of revenue.

Meanwhile, licensed casinos, Php 8.32bn or 32.6%, and PAGCOR-operated casinos, Php 2.88bn or 11.31%, also contributed significant revenue.

Alongside improving revenue compared to the same quarter of 2024, the agency also reported improved cost efficiency in Q1 2025.

Operating expenses reduced by 15.54% to Php 6.21bn, down from Php 7.36bn in Q1 2024. Consequently, PAGCOR recorded a net income of Php 4.22bn, representing a 23% increase from the Php 3.43 bn reported in the same period last year. 

“This solid performance reflects PAGCOR’s commitment to responsible governance and fiscal discipline,” commented PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco. “The gains we have made in the first quarter will allow us to contribute even more to nation-building for the rest of the year.”

Tengco attributed the agency’s Q1 performance to improved operational efficiency and strategic reforms. He also reiterated PAGCOR’s commitment to innovation and strengthening regulatory oversight, as evidenced by the aforementioned changes to accreditation rules for the B2B sector in the country.

Source