The Philippine gaming industry is undergoing a significant regulatory transformation as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) moves to formally oversee a broad array of business-to-business service providers.
This development marks a historic shift from a previously loosely regulated environment to one defined by structured compliance and standardization.
In a memo dated April 30th, 2025, PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department (EGLD) announced the forthcoming release of a Regulatory Framework for the Accreditation of Gaming Affiliates and Support Service Providers. For the first time, third-party entities supporting licensed eGaming and iGaming operators—such as payment processors, game content suppliers, KYC solution providers, and customer support vendors—will be subject to direct regulatory accreditation.
Legal expert Tonet Quiogue, founder of Arden Consult, told Asia Gaming Brief that PAGCOR’s latest policy signals “a significant shift in how support service providers and gaming affiliates will be regulated in the Philippines.”
She noted that although these businesses are integral to the functioning of the gaming ecosystem, they have historically operated without the need for formal registration with PAGCOR. “Previously, these businesses operated without direct accreditation from PAGCOR,” Quiogue explained. “Going forward, all covered entities must comply with defined application procedures, performance requirements, and ongoing regulatory conditions.”
In addition to introducing accreditation, PAGCOR is also redefining the structure of the industry by reclassifying entities previously known as Gaming System Service Providers.
These will now fall under the newly established category of Gaming System Administrators, reflecting the regulator’s intent to clarify and standardize the roles and responsibilities of key B2B participants. This move aims to enhance transparency and create a more structured regulatory environment—ultimately strengthening the integrity of the entire market.
The new framework is expected to include detailed implementation timelines, transition procedures, and compliance rules. Companies that fail to meet these standards risk losing their ability to work with PAGCOR-licensed operators.
Financial requirements will also increase. Entities seeking accreditation will need to pay a non-refundable application or renewal fee and provide a performance cash deposit. While exact figures are outlined in the memorandum, they are expected to be reiterated and expanded upon in the final framework.
Quiogue urged companies not to wait for the final guidelines before taking action. “We strongly encourage all potentially affected companies to assess the scope of their operations and prepare for accreditation requirements. Early planning will be key to avoiding business disruptions and ensuring continued access to the Philippine gaming market,” she advised.
For many service providers—particularly smaller or newer firms—this will require a thorough review of their compliance structures, legal status, and operational readiness to meet PAGCOR’s heightened expectations.
This regulatory expansion is not solely about enforcing rules; it reflects the Philippine government’s growing commitment to cultivating a reputable and well-regulated gaming sector. While the new framework may bring added administrative and financial demands, it also offers greater clarity, professionalism, and investor confidence.
By bringing support services within the formal regulatory perimeter, PAGCOR is sending a clear message: every player in the ecosystem must be accountable and operate to a defined standard.
As the Philippine gaming sector continues to evolve, this oversight model is likely to have far-reaching effects. “This has been in the works for some time—and will have wide-ranging implications for those supporting the regulated ecosystem,” Quiogue noted in her LinkedIn post when she shared the news.
