The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued new rules for B2B operators and suppliers in the country’s online gambling sector. Specifically, the regulations, dated 29 January 2026, aim to strengthen oversight across gaming suppliers, content producers, distributors, and streaming service providers.
Key Deadlines for Operators and Suppliers
- 12 February 2026: Operators must submit a complete list of all B2B vendors. PAGCOR will verify every provider against certified records.
- 31 March 2026: Full B2B certification deadline. Gaming content suppliers must also make a PHP 1 million (US$16,975) cash deposit for compliance purposes.
Failure to register or obtain accreditation may trigger termination orders or service suspension. Operators are advised to carefully review supplier agreements to ensure all providers are licensed and accredited.
B2B Approval and Licensing Requirements
- All B2B operators, including live studio providers and local offices, must hold valid licenses.
- Resellers must adhere to accreditation standards and, where applicable, acquire a Permit to Hold (PTH) for gaming supplies and accessories.
Live Studio Regulations
- Foreign companies offering live studio games must establish a physical office or facility in the Philippines to facilitate audits, compliance inspections, and monitoring.
- Unauthorized offshore facilities may be treated as unlicensed operations, subject to immediate action.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operators failing to comply may face:
- Fines and sanctions
- Service interruptions or system outages
- Damage to reputation and credibility
Furthermore, unaccredited systems for payments, live broadcasting, or gaming content may be suspended immediately. Therefore, PAGCOR stresses that prompt compliance is crucial to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Industry Context and Impact
The updated rules follow continued expansion of the online gambling sector in the Philippines and reflect calls for tougher supervision. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco emphasizes that the organization’s goal is to protect both operators and players while maintaining industry standards.
Operators who adhere to the new regulations will benefit from regulatory clarity, smoother operations, and improved oversight. Non-compliance, meanwhile, risks fines, service suspension, or reputational damage.
Action Required: All B2B vendors and operators should verify provider accreditation, licenses, and office locations immediately, maintain thorough documentation, and ensure adherence to PAGCOR standards.
