The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) has set new rules governing the issuance and operation of internet gaming licenses, approved by its board in a memorandum dated July 10, 20231. The rules require all existing internet gaming operators and service providers to re-apply for new licenses starting July 17, 20231.
Under the new regime, an internet gaming licensee must have an authorized capital of at least P100 million, of which P25 million must be paid up1. That is higher than the previous capital requirement of only P15 million with P3 million paid up1. Licenses are valid for two years and are site specific, meaning licenses outside the exact address indicated are invalid1. The operating site may have a maximum floor area of 25,000 square meters per site1. A minimum guaranteed fee for each licensee is set at $100,000 per month1.
The rules define the internet gaming license as a business-to-consumer license allowing the operator to offer or carry out online gaming products1. These games are limited to livestream e-casino games, online random number generator (RNG) games and online sports betting1. Separately, a gaming content or support provider is defined as a business-to-business authorization to provide or carry out content or support services related to online gaming products to PAGCOR licensees1. A gaming content provider supplies or manages content of authorized games from live studios or live gaming venues via the internet, while a support provider includes customer service, marketing, customer registration, payment solutions, office leasing and other support services1.
All license renewals are subject to continued compliance with all rules and regulations and other applicable laws1. The rules also include a catch-all provision prohibiting licensees from conducting activities other than gaming in the operating sites and from being involved in any activity that jeopardizes PAGCOR's integrity1.
"In a memorandum dated July 10, Pagcor said its board approved the new rules which shall govern the issuance of licenses on internet gaming as well as its operations."
| Requirement | Previous | New |
|---|---|---|
| Authorized capital | P15 million | P100 million |
| Paid-up capital | P3 million | P25 million |
| License term | Not stated in source | Two years |
| Minimum guaranteed fee | Not stated in source | $100,000 per month |
What it means for players
The changes apply to the companies that hold PAGCOR internet gaming licenses, not to the act of betting itself. Players using Philippine-licensed online platforms are affected indirectly: every existing operator and service provider had to re-apply for a license from July 17, 2023, so the corporate entity behind a site may change even where the brand does not1. Licenses are now tied to a specific address and are invalid outside it, and licensees are barred from non-gaming activities at the operating site1. The permitted product list is limited to livestream e-casino games, online RNG games and online sports betting1. Anyone checking whether a platform is licensed can use the guide on how to check a PAGCOR gaming license, and the wider picture of who regulates what is covered in gambling regulators and licenses in Asia. The different categories of authorization, including B2C and B2B, are explained in types of gambling licenses. For general questions about gambling in the country, see Can I gamble in the Philippines?.
What happens next
The re-application window for existing internet gaming operators and service providers opened on July 17, 20231. Renewals will depend on continued compliance with the rules and other applicable laws1. The source does not state a deadline for applications, the date the new licenses take effect, or how many operators are affected; those details have not been reported1.
