Philippines issues over 40 new online gaming licences

Jenny Ortiz June 18, 2024

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has recently expanded its licencing for online gaming operators, issuing over 40 new licences. Previously known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), these entities have been rebranded as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs). In addition to the IGLs, more than 40 operators targeting Filipino netizens have received licences for electronic gambling.

Accredited gaming system service providers

PAGCOR‘s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department has published a list of 34 accredited gaming system service providers as of June 5. These operators are authorized to offer various online betting games, including e-casino, e-bingo, sports betting, and specialty games. However, 13 of these licensees have yet to commence their commercial operations.

Authorized online gaming platform operators

Aside from the 34 e-gaming licensees, PAGCOR has also issued licences to 10 “authorized online/remote gaming platform” operators. These operators differ from gaming system service providers or e-casino operators and include some of the country’s major integrated resort casino operators. Notable among them are Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc., operator of Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City; Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., operator of Newport Resorts World Manila in Pasay City; Stotsenberg Leisure Park and Hotel Corp., operator of Casino Plus at Hotel Stotsenberg in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga; Thunderbird Pilipinas Hotels & Resorts Inc., operator of Thunderbird Resorts and Casinos in La Union and Rizal.

Other prominent operators include Okada Manila, Winford Resorts & Casino Manila, Hann Casino and Resort, and Midori Clark Hotel and Casino. The list also includes AB Leisure Exponent Inc., a non-casino operator known for its Bingo Plus chain.

PAGCOR’s 2023 revenue

PAGCOR reported that offshore gaming operations contributed PHP3.15 billion (€50.1 million) to their total gaming revenues of PHP79.37 billion (€1.26 billion) last year. The Philippine gaming industry achieved record gross gaming revenues of PHP285.27 billion (€4.53 billion), surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

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