The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) put its Regulatory Framework for Offenses and Penalties (Remote Gaming Operations) Rev. No. 2 into effect on 27 February 2025, according to the framework document published by the regulator1. The framework states that it "shall govern and administer offenses/violations attributed to the conduct of PAGCOR licensed Operators, accredited Service Providers, Contractees or Licensees of Integrated Resorts"1. It also states that it "shall repeal previous issuances the independent provisions of which are inconsistent with the same"1.
Under the general guidelines, PAGCOR's Electronic Gaming Licensing Department (EGLD) issues a Show Cause notice to a non-compliant operator or service provider, "requiring it to provide an explanation and/or comply within fifteen (15) days"1. The framework sets out separate penalty tables for gaming venue operators and for service providers1.
For gaming venue operators, the framework lists fines including PhP200,000.00 for unauthorized commencement of operation of the gaming venue and PhP200,000.00 for procurement of gaming equipment and paraphernalia without prior approval1. Non-payment of player's winnings and making any unauthorized deduction from winnings or redeemed balances of players each carry "PhP100,000.00 or amount of the winnings, whichever is lower"1. Late or non-remittance of amounts due to PAGCOR carries a penalty of "25% of the total amount due for remittance"1.
| Offense (gaming venue operators) | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Unauthorized commencement of operation of the gaming venue | PhP200,000.00 |
| Procurement of gaming equipment and paraphernalia without prior approval | PhP200,000.00 |
| Non-payment of player's winnings | PhP100,000.00 or amount of the winnings, whichever is lower |
| Unauthorized deduction from winnings or redeemed balances | PhP100,000.00 or amount of the winnings, whichever is lower |
| Failure to submit the annual Business Permit | PhP100,000.00 |
| Portable gaming terminal found outside the gaming venue | PhP100,000.00 |
| Non-compliance with submission of documentary requirements on time | PhP80,000.00 |
| Unauthorized suspension of operations without just cause | PhP50,000.00 |
| Implementation of brand or suite of games without prior approval from EGLD | PhP50,000.00 |
| Failure to restore or update the Performance Cash Deposit within 30 days | PhP50,000.00 |
| Unauthorized reduction, addition, transfer or movement of terminals | PhP50,000.00 |
| Unauthorized operation of electronic gaming terminals without prior notification to EGLD | PhP50,000.00 |
| Failure to submit renewal application on time | PhP30,000.00 |
| Failure to notify EGLD of change in Board composition within 30 days | PhP30,000.00 |
| 95% or less operational electronic gaming terminals for seven consecutive days | PhP30,000.00 |
| Non-compliance with minimum number of electronic gaming terminals | PhP30,000.00 |
| Failure to maintain CCTV standards | PhP20,000.00 |
| Marketing or promotions without prior approval from PAGCOR | PhP20,000.00 |
For service providers, penalties escalate by offense number. Unauthorized operation of a gaming system, including remote gaming platform websites and applications, draws a warning on the first offense, PhP250,000.00 on the second, PhP500,000.00 and suspension on the third, and revocation on the fourth1. Accepting bets or sales outside the Philippines carries PhP500,000.00 and suspension on the first offense and revocation on the second1. Failure to integrate with PAGCOR's third party audit platform within the prescribed period carries a warning, then PhP100,000.00, then PhP200,000.00, then PhP500,000.00 and suspension from the fourth offense onward1.
"This Regulatory Framework for Offenses and Penalties shall govern and administer offenses/violations attributed to the conduct of PAGCOR licensed Operators, accredited Service Providers, Contractees or Licensees of Integrated Resorts."
What it means for players
The framework sets penalties that touch player-facing conduct directly. Non-payment of winnings and unauthorized deductions from winnings or redeemed balances are listed offenses, with fines of PhP100,000.00 or the amount of the winnings, whichever is lower1. The framework states that player's winnings include winnings on raffle draws and jackpots1. Players at PAGCOR-licensed remote gaming venues can check whether an operator holds a current license through PAGCOR's license verification process, and the wider licensing picture is covered in Gambling Regulators and Licenses in Asia. The rules apply to remote gaming operations in the Philippines, and sit alongside other recent and pending gambling law changes in Asia.
What happens next
The framework took effect on 27 February 2025 and applies prospectively1. No further dated steps are set out in the document.
Sources1 sources
- [](https://www.pagcor.ph/regulatory/pdf/announcements/Regulatory-Framework-for-Offenses-and-Penalties-(Remote-Gaming-Operations)-Rev-No.%202.pdf), pagcor.ph
