Good morning. The background check never really ends. In the Philippines, PAGCOR probity reviews can be triggered by new applications, ownership changes or adverse reports — and they’re gaining teeth as the country guards its FATF reforms ahead of a 2027 evaluation. In Macau, the toughest quarter since reopening is in the books, per Citigroup, with 2Q26 EBITDA forecast to drop 7 percent to $1.92 billion on World Cup distraction and unfavorable hold. And the tournament, alongside exam season and fuel prices, slowed visitor growth in May and June.
What you need to know
- Philippine gaming firms face closer scrutiny of owners, directors and finances as PAGCOR strengthens post-grey-list probity checks.
- Macau gaming EBITDA is forecast to fall 7 percent to $1.92 billion in 2Q26, hit by World Cup disruption and unfavorable VIP hold.
- Macau visitor growth slowed in May and June as exam season, fuel price volatility and the World Cup weighed on travel demand.
On the radar
- PAGCOR remits $92.1M dividend to the Philippine government in 2025.
- Macau arrests two more mainland men over proxy betting cases.
- Gokongwei appointed PhilWeb director after confirmed $33M investment.
- Macau gaming taxes rise 13% YoY to $6.3B in 1H26.
- Hong Kong police arrest 65 in illegal gambling and nightclub raids.
AGB Intelligence
PHILIPPINES
PAGCOR raises stakes for gaming ownership and disclosure checks
PAGCOR’s fit-and-proper assessments have become a key part of the Philippines’ efforts to preserve its strengthened anti-money-laundering framework following its FATF grey-list exit. The reviews may examine ownership structures, financial standing, criminal history and regulatory compliance. Arden Consult noted that directors, beneficial owners and investors holding at least 20 percent may be assessed personally, while companies that fail to disclose changes or provide accurate information risk having applications rejected or licenses suspended or revoked.
Industry Updates
- Aristocrat Gaming and Cosmopolitan unveil exclusive $5M high-limit links.
- SBC Summit 2026 unveils power-packed fintech conference track.
- Galaxsys launches Match Day predictions for FIFA Club World Cup.
Corporate Spotlight
How Crypto Adoption in Asia is Changing iGaming Payments
Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech, explores how surging crypto adoption across Asia is revolutionizing iGaming payments, stating: “When I look at what’s changing fastest in Asia, it’s payment behavior,” as wallets, stablecoins, and seamless cross-border transfers become deeply ingrained in player habits. The winning operators will be those that offer fast, reliable, and local deposits and withdrawals. To make sense of it, Yevhen breaks Asia into two crypto realities.
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