The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued Revision No. 3 of its Regulatory Framework for Offenses and Penalties, effective November 6, 20251. The framework repeals previous issuances, memoranda, orders, rules and regulations covering offenses and penalties for electronic gaming operations, and applies prospectively1.
The framework covers PAGCOR licensed Operators, accredited Gaming System Administrators (GSA), Business-to-Business (B2B) Providers such as Gaming Affiliates and Support Service Providers, and Contractees or Licensees of Integrated Resorts1. It applies to game offerings including traditional bingo, electronic bingo, electronic casino games, sports betting, specialty games, online poker, numeric games, and any suite of games PAGCOR may allow in the future, along with online gaming platforms run by licensees1.
Under the general guidelines, penalties are collected from the authorized entity or deducted from its Performance Cash Deposit1. Where there is non-compliance, the Electronic Gaming Licensing Department (EGLD) issues a Show Cause requiring an explanation or compliance within fifteen days from receipt, unless otherwise stated1. A written warning is issued to the Gaming Venue Operator for the first offense for each specific violation1.
The table of offenses sets fines for second and subsequent offenses by Gaming Venue Operators1:
| Offense | Penalty or fine |
|---|---|
| Late or non-remittance of amounts due to PAGCOR of PhP10,000.00 and above | 25% of the total amount due for remittance |
| Non-payment of player's winnings | PhP100,000.00 or the amount of the winnings, whichever is lower |
| Unauthorized deduction from winnings or redeemed balances | PhP100,000.00 or the amount of the winnings, whichever is lower |
| Unauthorized suspension of operations without just cause | PhP50,000.00 |
| Implementation of brand or suite of games without prior EGLD approval | PhP50,000.00 |
| Failure to restore or update the Performance Cash Deposit within 30 calendar days of notice | PhP50,000.00 |
| Unauthorized operation of the gaming venue | PhP200,000.00 |
| Non-compliance with manual or electronic submission of documentary requirements on time | PhP80,000.00 |
| Failure to submit the annual Business Permit | PhP100,000.00 |
| Failure to submit the renewal application on time | PhP30,000.00 |
| Failure to notify EGLD within 30 days of a change in Board composition | PhP30,000.00 |
| 95% or less operational electronic gaming terminals for seven consecutive days | PhP30,000.00 |
| Non-compliance with the required minimum number of electronic gaming terminals | PhP30,000.00 |
| Unauthorized reduction, addition, transfer or movement of terminals without PAGCOR approval | PhP50,000.00 |
| Unauthorized operation of electronic gaming terminals without prior EGLD notification | PhP50,000.00 |
| Portable gaming terminal found outside the gaming venue | PhP100,000.00 |
| Procurement of gaming equipment without prior approval | PhP200,000.00 |
| Failure to maintain CCTV standards and guidelines | PhP20,000.00 |
| Marketing or promotions, including advertisements, without approval | PhP20,000.00 |
Some penalties carry specific conditions. The late or non-remittance penalty is imposed per transaction, and continuous non-remittance of the PAGCOR Share may lead to suspension or revocation of the license1. The unauthorized suspension penalty is per day of offense, and continuous unauthorized suspension may cause license revocation1. The Performance Cash Deposit penalty is charged for every month of non-compliance, pro-rated daily1. The documentary requirements penalty is imposed per gaming venue if the documents pertain to a gaming venue1.
The framework also sets out enforcement powers. An operator's privilege to operate a gaming venue may be revoked under the Regulatory Framework for the Issuance of Gaming License for the Establishment of Gaming Venue1. Accreditation of GSAs or B2B Providers may be revoked depending on the severity of the infraction, with forfeiture of the Performance Cash Deposit determined by the EGLD and subject to approval by PAGCOR's Board of Directors1. Suspension of operations may be imposed by the EGLD subject to approval of PAGCOR's Chairman and CEO1.
"The provisions of this Regulatory Framework shall apply prospectively and shall repeal previous issuances, memoranda, orders, rules and regulations covering the offenses and penalties for electronic gaming operations."
What it means for players
The framework governs the operators, not players directly. Its practical effect for people who gamble in the Philippines is on how licensed venues and platforms are held to account. Non-payment of player 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. Winnings for this purpose include raffle draws and jackpots1. The rules apply to electronic gaming operations, including electronic bingo, electronic casino games, sports betting, online poker and numeric games1. The framework does not set out player-facing complaint procedures, and no such procedures are described in the document1. Whether the revision changes how players verify a venue's standing is not addressed in the framework; PAGCOR's license checking process and its role among gambling regulators in Asia remain the reference points for that. General rules on gambling in the Philippines are unchanged by this issuance.
What happens next
The framework took effect on November 6, 2025 and applies prospectively1. No further implementation dates, transition periods or compliance deadlines beyond the fifteen-day Show Cause response window are stated in the document1.
