Good morning. In the Philippines’ e-gaming market, consolidation remains the order of the day. PAGCOR has ruled out reopening license applications for now, with the number of operators already down to 48 from 74 and the regulator also holding fee rates steady. Macau’s SJM may have posted a double-digit EBITDA gain in the second quarter, but CBRE says the improvement disappears once favorable win rates are stripped out. In Australia, Tabcorp’s turnaround gathered pace, lifting FY26 profit by 27 percent even as wagering growth remained subdued.
What you need to know
- PAGCOR plans to retain its e-gaming moratorium until weaker and inactive operators have exited the regulated market.
- CBRE says SJM’s 13.9 percent EBITDA rise in 2Q26 was entirely due to favorable hold, with normalized earnings down 2.1 percent year-on-year.
- Tabcorp’s FY26 net profit rose 27 percent to $33.2 million despite sluggish wagering growth, supported by cost controls and retail reforms.
On the radar
- SJM dividends may not return until 2028 amid ‘no quick fix’ for debt: CLSA.
- Macau adds large-scale drone shows to annual fireworks contest.
- Two charged after fake note found in Marina Bay Sands casino deposit.
AGB Intelligence
PHILIPPINES
PAGCOR keeps applications frozen, e-gaming roster falls to 48
PAGCOR will continue suspending new e-gaming applications as it seeks a smaller market composed of active operators. Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the number of licensees had fallen from 74 to 48 and that the industry needed further consolidation. The regulator is taking action against companies that kept licenses idle for resale, while leaving open the possibility of accepting new operators once the existing market has stabilized.
Industry Updates
- EvenBet Gaming becomes ‘Evenbeter’ in a strategic rebranding move.
- Galaxy Gaming and Metropolitan extend MONOPOLY success beyond London.
- Jorge L Morales joins Games Valley to lead Americas expansion.
Written by
AGBrief Editorial
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