The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has approved a significant overhaul of its regulatory fee structure. They are introducing mandatory minimum guaranteed fees for all accredited gaming system administrators starting 1 April 2026. The reform applies to operators with and without electronic casino games. It is aimed at strengthening fiscal accountability and long-term sustainability across the regulated gaming sector.
PAGCOR Board Approves New Fee Framework
PAGCOR detailed the changes in a memorandum issued on 15 December by its Electronic Gaming Licensing Department. The regulator confirmed that the PAGCOR Board approved the new framework during its meeting on 4 December 2025.
According to the memorandum, the revised fee structure seeks to address shortcomings in the existing system while reinforcing fairness, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. PAGCOR described the introduction of minimum guaranteed fees as a necessary step. This ensures that all gaming system administrators contribute consistently to national revenue, operate transparently, and support the government’s commitment to a sustainable and integrity-driven gaming industry.
Two-Phase Rollout Begins in April 2026
PAGCOR will introduce the minimum guaranteed fees in two phases. Payment thresholds will be based on whether an operator offers electronic casino games.
From April to September 2026, gaming system administrators operating electronic casino games will be required to pay a minimum monthly fee of PHP9 million. This applies provided their gross gaming revenue reaches at least PHP30 million for the month. Administrators without electronic casino games will be subject to a PHP3 million minimum monthly fee, assuming monthly GGR reaches PHP15 million.
The second phase begins on 1 October 2026. At this point, higher thresholds will take effect. Operators with electronic casino games will be required to pay a minimum of PHP10.5 million per month if their GGR reaches PHP35 million. For administrators without electronic casino games, the minimum guaranteed fee will increase to PHP4 million. This is applicable once monthly GGR reaches PHP20 million.
Industry-Wide Impact Across Accredited Operators
As of 4 December 2025, PAGCOR reported a total of 65 accredited gaming system administrators operating in the Philippines. These include both online-focused businesses and land-based casino operators that offer electronic gaming and iGaming products.
The list of accredited entities features major industry players like Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels, Travellers International Hotel Group, and Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment. All of these operators manage electronic casino gaming systems alongside broader gaming portfolios. This places them squarely within the scope of the new rules.
Part of a Broader Regulatory Shift
The introduction of minimum guaranteed fees follows earlier regulatory changes in 2025, when PAGCOR formally reclassified gaming system administrators. Previously labelled as gaming system service providers, these entities were renamed to better reflect their operational responsibilities and regulatory obligations.
This shift is part of a wider effort by PAGCOR to clarify accountability, standardise compliance requirements, and strengthen oversight across the Philippine gaming market. The December memorandum was circulated to all gaming system administrators and gaming venue operators. It signaled that the new framework will apply uniformly across the sector.
Reinforcing Revenue Stability and Compliance
By implementing minimum guaranteed fees, PAGCOR aims to stabilise government revenue streams while discouraging inactive or underperforming licences. The regulator also expects the new structure to enhance transparency and encourage more consistent operational activity among licensed administrators.
PAGCOR has confirmed that compliance with the revised fee regime will be mandatory once it takes effect in April 2026. The move represents one of the most substantial structural changes to the Philippines’ gaming fee framework in recent years. It underscores the regulator’s push for stronger fiscal discipline and long-term market sustainability.
