The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that starting from October 2, 2025, a new mandatory certification system for B2B online gaming service providers will be fully implemented. All third-party enterprises providing products or services to licensed operators must pass official certification. For the first time, the new regulation brings game developers, aggregators, data streamers, and technical support companies such as payment, customer service, and marketing under direct supervision. The certification is divided into three categories: game platform aggregators, content developers, and support service providers. Enterprises are required to pay a security deposit of one million pesos and register an entity in the Philippines, with a certification validity period of two years. PAGCOR has set a transition period until December 31, 2025, and foreign enterprises must complete certification by the end of March 2026, otherwise, they will be listed as unauthorized and prohibited from access. This move aims to enhance industry transparency and strengthen anti-money laundering and compliance mechanisms.
Overview and Implementation Timeline of the New Regulation
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has officially released a new certification system for B2B online gaming service providers, which will be fully implemented from October 2, 2025. The new system requires all third-party enterprises providing products or services to PAGCOR licensed operators to pass official certification, marking a new regulatory phase for the Philippine gaming industry.
This policy is seen as an important upgrade in the regulation of the Philippine gaming industry, aiming to establish a more standardized and transparent market environment.
Regulatory Scope and Enterprise Coverage
The new certification system includes game developers, aggregators, data streamers, and various technical support companies for the first time under direct regulatory scope, covering a wide range of enterprise types. The certification categories include game platform aggregators, game content developers, and support service providers.
Support service providers cover payment channels, customer service, marketing promotions, KYC verification systems, and independent testing laboratories, covering almost all aspects of the gaming industry chain.
Certification Requirements and Compliance Conditions
Enterprises applying for certification must meet multiple conditions, including registering an entity company in the Philippines, passing background and integrity checks by the anti-money laundering department, and having a good reputation and financial strength. In addition, each certified enterprise must pay a security deposit of one million pesos as a financial guarantee for performance and regulatory risk.
Unlike the previous annual review system, the new certification has a validity period of two years, reducing the frequency of audits for enterprises but raising the entry standards.
Transition Period Arrangements and Application Benefits
To facilitate a smooth transition, PAGCOR has set up a grace period arrangement. Enterprises that submit their certification applications before December 31, 2025, can enjoy a "three-year validity period" policy, which extends the normal two-year validity period by one year.
Foreign game content providers and data streamers must complete certification by March 31, 2026. If they fail to do so, they will be listed on the "unauthorized list," and their content will be removed and prohibited from accessing the Philippine market.
Compliance Pathways and Agency Schemes
Foreign companies can meet compliance requirements through two main paths: directly applying for certification by registering a local entity in the Philippines or through a system administrator (GSA) certified by PAGCOR as an exclusive agent for compliance operations. This provides international enterprises with flexible access options.
The agency scheme is particularly suitable for foreign enterprises that do not wish to establish a direct entity in the Philippines, reducing the threshold and complexity of market entry.
Regulatory Objectives and Policy Background
PAGCOR emphasizes that the new regulation aims to comprehensively enhance industry transparency, prevent bad actors from entering the market, and strengthen anti-money laundering and technical compliance mechanisms. This move responds to long-standing concerns and questions about the regulatory standards of the Philippine gaming industry.
By establishing stricter access and regulatory standards, PAGCOR hopes to enhance the overall image and international reputation of the Philippine gaming industry.
Industry Impact and Market Reaction
Industry insiders believe that the new system aligns the Philippine gaming regulatory system with mature markets such as the UK, Malta, Germany, and Ontario, Canada, bringing a "reshuffling opportunity" and "reputation upgrade" to the Philippine online gaming industry. It is expected to promote market integration and eliminate non-compliant operators.
After the implementation of the new regulation, licensed casinos, electronic gaming operators, and system administrators can only cooperate with certified B2B suppliers, otherwise, they will face penalties, which will change the existing supply chain ecosystem.
Compliance Costs and Corporate Responses
The requirement of a one million peso security deposit and local entity registration increases the compliance costs for enterprises, especially for small suppliers and foreign enterprises. Enterprises need to assess the balance between market opportunities and compliance costs and develop corresponding market strategies.
It is expected that a number of enterprises will exit the Philippine market due to their inability to meet the new requirements, while enterprises with strong compliance capabilities may gain a larger market share.
Enforcement Measures and Penalty Mechanisms
PAGCOR will establish an unauthorized enterprise list system, implementing content removal and access prohibition measures for enterprises that fail to pass certification. Licensed operators cooperating with uncertified suppliers will face penalties, including fines or even suspension of licenses.
These enforcement measures aim to ensure the effective implementation of the new regulations, maintaining the authority and effectiveness of regulation.
Long-term Development and Industry Outlook
The new certification system is an important step in the long-term development of the Philippine gaming industry, helping to establish a healthier and more sustainable market environment. By enhancing regulatory standards and improving the compliance framework, the Philippines hopes to enhance the international competitiveness and attractiveness of its gaming industry.
In the future, PAGCOR may continue to improve the regulatory system, pushing the Philippine gaming industry towards a more standardized and professional direction.
