Charlie Horner writes for iGaming Expert on the complexity of the Philippines market and why the highest of standards is pivotal for new entrants and partnerships in the region.
The Philippines iGaming market has undergone plenty of change over recent months, since the regulator PAGCOR cracked down on what it deemed as illegal POGO operators. While casting uncertainty into the regulated market for a short period, clarity reigns as the regulated market continues to thrive.
This makes the Philippines an enticing market for operators and suppliers alike, as the market’s heritage when it comes to gambling remains undeniable.
For stakeholders venturing into the nation and looking to utilise it as a base with which to springboard across Asia, it is vital that challenging technical demands are met, including high transaction volumes, real-time betting and adequately localised content.
As the complexity of the local framework intensifies and PAGCOR deepens its stringency over the sector – from both a commercial and technical perspective, underpinning the highest of standards is an essential ingredient for success in the Philippines.
As mentioned, and chronicled extensively in this publication, the Philippines has undergone a shift as the PAGCOR removed POGOs from the nation’s market at the end of 2024. The regulator is also ensuring that all providers gain approval to enter the market as it notified stakeholders earlier this month.
The move confirmed PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department’s ambitions to release a Regulatory Framework for the Accreditation of Gaming Affiliates and Support Service providers.
In a landmark regulatory intervention, for the first time, iGaming suppliers such as game aggregators, game providers, payment providers and KYC vendors, are required to undergo formal accreditation.
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.
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.
Whilst there is a level of complexity and volatility around any sweeping regulatory changes to the sector, it’s hard to deny that it’s for the greater good when it comes to ensuring long term stability.
With regulatory change of this ilk, great opportunity is afoot, and there’s a real opening for the regulated, localised sector to thrive amidst PAGCOR tightening its grip on the offshore industry.
The regulatory framework implemented by PAGCOR can be monumental in levelling the playing field for local players in the challenging Philippines market.
While Asia does offer global iGaming with a significant opportunity to explore new markets and reach new players, it is a difficult region to crack owing to significant challenges when it comes to regulation and player trends.
This means it takes experienced and serious players to ensure success in what can be a volatile market. Vast Asian experience and cultural understanding of the market is a crucial avenue to being fruitful in the region.
