The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) recently welcomed officials from the Malawi Gaming & Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) for a regulatory knowledge exchange focused on supporting the development of Malawi’s gaming industry.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the visit highlights the Philippines’ growing reputation as a regulatory reference point for emerging gaming markets. He added that both jurisdictions can benefit from sharing regulatory experiences and learning from different approaches.
Strengthening Regulatory Cooperation
MAGLA serves as Malawi’s national regulator for gaming, betting, and lottery activities. Established under the country’s Gaming and Lotteries Act of 2022, the authority aims to create a safe, fair, and transparent gaming environment while protecting consumers and promoting responsible gambling.
Against this backdrop, the exchange with PAGCOR provides Malawi officials with an opportunity to examine how the Philippines manages regulation within a more mature gaming market. Moreover, the discussions can help MAGLA identify practices that could support the continued development of Malawi’s regulatory framework.
The collaboration also reflects a broader trend among emerging gaming jurisdictions. As countries modernize their regulatory systems, many regulators increasingly look to established markets for practical insights into licensing, compliance, consumer protection, and responsible gaming.
Philippines Gains Recognition as Regulatory Benchmark
The Malawi delegation follows other international benchmarking initiatives involving PAGCOR. In January 2024, officials from Osaka City and the Japan Gambling Commission visited the Philippine regulator to study its regulatory framework and approach to integrated resorts.
During the visit, Tengco and other PAGCOR officials accompanied Osaka City Council members on a tour of integrated resort casinos in Entertainment City. The visit provided Japanese officials with direct insight into casino operations and regulatory practices as Osaka prepares to develop Japan’s first major casino resort.
Similarly, Cambodia has sent a delegation to the Philippines to study its gaming industry as Phnom Penh works to strengthen domestic regulation and establish a more robust framework.
International Cooperation Supports Gaming Development
PAGCOR’s continued engagement with international regulators demonstrates the growing value of cross-border knowledge sharing. For emerging markets such as Malawi, access to established regulatory experience can help strengthen industry oversight while supporting responsible and sustainable growth.
Meanwhile, the Philippines benefits by strengthening its position as a regional source of regulatory expertise. As more jurisdictions modernize their gaming sectors, international cooperation could play an increasingly important role in developing transparent, responsible, and sustainable gaming markets.
