Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR is going to be implementing new Technical Standards for electronic gaming machines (EGMs), effective from January 1st of 2024. In order to give time for the industry to adapt, the group notes that any machines installed before the date will not be required to abide by the new standards.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Board of Directors has approved version 1.1 of the PAGCOR Technical Standards for Electronic Gaming Machines (PTS-EGM).

In a keynote speech at the Asian IR Expo + Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia 2023 in Macau, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation's (PAGCOR) chairman, Alejandro H. Tengco, says that the regulator is undertaking efforts to upgrade its gaming venues to add value to the properties before its casinos are privatized.

Alejandro H. Tengco, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO notes that the group is ushering in a new era as it partners with the industry and welcomes new and increased regulation. The group moves to sell off its own Casino Filipino assets, even while maintaining POGOs, despite some opposition towards offshore operations. The group's head says healthy competition leads a strong market.

PAGCOR is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade, according to Daniel Cecilio, General Manager of the Licensing and Regulatory Group. The group is pushing to privatize its self-operated casinos and apply new reforms, from showrooms for suppliers, to gaming employment licenses and a restructuring of the operator itself, aiming to continue the Philippines’ robust gaming success.

PAGCOR has announced that it's going to be changing the technical standards for EGMs, but only from January 1st of next year, with all machines installed before then not needing to follow the new measures.

The dynamics of the Asian gaming industry are shifting, bringing the Philippines market into the spotlight for its significant growth potential, especially in the electronic gaming machine (EGM) sector.

Have regulators “killed the Golden Goose” in Japan? If you look at the actions of Las Vegas Sands, Suncity and Galaxy, Caesars, and Hard Rock, you might just think that to be the case. Global Market Advisors’ Brendan Bussman gives a glimpse into what’s in store for operators that are still in the running for a Japan IR. Take a look at our most recent interview.