PAGCOR Highlights Regulatory Enforcement Reforms at ICE Barcelona 2026
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has emphasized the importance of strong and effective regulatory enforcement to sustain growth in the online gaming sector during ICE Barcelona 2026, held in Barcelona, Spain.
Addressing an international audience of regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the rapid expansion of digital gaming has transformed the industry, erasing borders, accelerating innovation, and exposing regulatory gaps.
Illegal Gaming Identified as Major Industry Threat
Tengco warned that illegal and unregulated operators represent the greatest risk to both regulators and licensed businesses, undermining public trust and distorting competition.
He cited the Philippines’ recent regulatory reset as an example of decisive action, including the government’s decision to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), a policy fully enforced by the end of 2024 following links to criminal activities such as fraud and money laundering.
Player-Centric and Financial Safeguards Strengthened
PAGCOR has also intensified reforms across the licensed online gaming sector, shifting toward a more player-centric regulatory approach. Measures include tighter know-your-customer and identity verification standards, mandatory responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion and betting limits, and stricter controls on gambling advertising to protect minors and vulnerable groups.
Financial safeguards were reinforced through restrictions on certain payment channels and the introduction of a new minimum guaranteed fee for licensed operators to promote transparency and fair contribution to government revenues.
Toward a Purely Regulatory Role
Tengco also highlighted PAGCOR’s efforts to decouple its regulatory and commercial functions, describing the move as essential to strengthening regulatory independence and aligning with international best practices.
“Regulation is not about avoiding discomfort,” Tengco said. “It is about building a system that is resilient, accountable, and worthy of public trust.”
