The implementation of the new monthly minimum guaranteed fee (MGF) for licensed online operators has been delayed by two months by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in a memorandum, according to reports.
Inside Asian Gaming has noted that the delay by PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department is likely due to the ‘current economic crisis’, with the first tranche timeline pushed back from 1 April 2026 to 1 June 2026 and the second tranche postponed from 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2027.
Operators who provide electronic casino games to the Philippines iGaming market will have to pay a Php 9m MGF monthly (approximately €129,200) if they have a minimum gross gaming revenue (GGR) per month of Php 30m (approximately €430,800) when the first tranche is implemented.
Those that don’t offer online casino titles will have to pay a Php 3m MGF monthly (approximately €43,080) if they have a minimum GGR per month of Php 15m (approximately €215,400).
For the second tranche, operators who supply online casino games will have to pay a Php 10.5m MGF monthly (approximately €150,800) if they have a minimum GGR per month of Php 35m (approximately €502,600).
Operators that don’t offer online casino games will be subject to a Php 4m MGF monthly (approximately €57,400) if they have a minimum GGR per month of Php 20m (approximately €287,300).
Any operator found to be offering online casino titles without a declaration to PAGCOR will be subject to administrative penalties, which may include accreditation suspension or cancellation.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, the memorandum also stated that a comprehensive evaluation of prevailing industry conditions will be conducted by PAGCOR to determine if the MGF implementation needs any further adjustments for long-term sector sustainability.
PAGCOR tightens regulatory screws
While PAGCOR is delaying the MGF timeline, it has been tightening the regulatory screws on its gambling market in recent weeks, reaching deals with the government’s Department of Justice (DOJ) and with Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).
A new memorandum of agreement has been signed with the DOJ, which sees its personnel included on PAGCOR’s list of persons restricted from entering casinos.
This is the first pact to be signed between the government agency and the state gaming regulatory firm, according to the state-run Philippine News Agency.
Justice Secretary, Fredderick Vida, noted: “This data-sharing initiative is both timely and necessary. By enabling a more efficient and accurate identification system, we strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure that policies are not only written but meaningfully implemented.
“It allows PAGCOR to better regulate access to gaming revenues and empowers the DOJ to reinforce discipline within its ranks.”
Meanwhile, GLI has become the first gaming testing company to be certified by PAGCOR, charged with testing and certifying the iGaming platforms that comprise the Philippines’ gaming market.
Alejandro Tengco, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of PAGCOR, commented: “We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing/certification, and data security.
“PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply with the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players.”
