The Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is set to transform the regulatory landscape of the country’s gaming industry with the introduction of a new accreditation framework.
This initiative will formally bring a wide range of B2B service providers under regulatory oversight, marking a shift from a historically loosely regulated environment to one characterised by strict compliance and standardisation.
PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department has announced that the regulatory framework for the accreditation of gaming affiliates and support service providers will soon be released. This framework will require third-party entities such as payment processors, game content suppliers and customer support vendors to obtain direct accreditation.
Tonet Quiogue, legal expert and founder of Arden Consult, told Asia Gaming Brief: “PAGCOR’s latest policy signals a significant shift in how support service providers and gaming affiliates will be regulated in the Philippines.”
Under the new framework, the industry will also see a reclassification of Gaming System Service Providers to Gaming System Administrators, a move intended to clarify and standardise the roles of key B2B participants. This reclassification aims to enhance transparency and strengthen the integrity of the market.
Entities seeking accreditation will face increased financial requirements, including non-refundable fees and performance cash deposits. Companies are urged not to delay in preparing for these changes to avoid disruptions.
Quiogue adds: “We strongly encourage all potentially affected companies to assess the scope of their operations and prepare for accreditation requirements.”
By bringing support services within the regulatory framework, PAGCOR aims to ensure accountability and adherence to defined standards across the ecosystem. This new oversight model is expected to have wide-ranging implications for the industry.
