How the Philippines is redefining regulation and regional dominance in iGaming
As Southeast Asia rapidly emerges as a global hub for digital entertainment, the Philippines is leading the charge with bold regulatory reforms and vast market potential in the iGaming sector. At SiGMA Asia 2025 in Manila, held at the SMX Convention Centre, industry experts came together to explore the forces driving this explosive growth from evolving government policies to regional developments.
The panel Philippines iGaming Boom: Regulatory Reforms, Record Growth & Regional Competition featured four industry leaders, Ivan Kurochkin, Partner and Head of Consulting at 4H Agency; Kris Galloway, Head of iGaming Product at Sumsub; Paul Fox, Co-Founder and Chairman of Claymore Solutions; and Brycan Dayao, VP for Operations at Amused Group Philippines. These voices from across the gaming and regulatory landscape offered valuable insights into the country’s burgeoning iGaming industry and its growing influence in the region.
Key drivers of iGaming growth
Paul Fox highlighted that the domestic market is still in its infancy but growing exponentially as operators expand rapidly. Kris Galloway humorously described a “weird arms race” in the region, where grey market operators cleverly guide users on circumventing restrictions, something he believes should be addressed at the government level.
The panellists pointed to several factors behind the staggering projected revenue increase of 165% in 2024. A significant reason is the reduction in taxes, making legal operation far more attractive than the risks of illegality. Brycan Dayao noted the widespread online availability, joking that “in the mountains you can bet if you have an internet connection.” Importantly, legal operators now have transparent, recorded numbers, a sign of the industry’s growing legitimacy.
Balancing regulation and innovation
The discussion emphasised the dangers of overregulation, which could inadvertently push players toward black market operators, a scenario the Philippines is keen to avoid. Offshore operators have been particularly innovative, fostering an ecosystem deeply embedded in iGaming culture. Millennials rank gaming as their seventh most popular pastime, while for Gen Z it’s the second, underlining the sector’s cultural significance.
Crypto adoption is another rising trend, especially among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who are increasingly using cryptocurrency to send remittances, a development boosting digital currency acceptance in the country.
The pandemic acted as a catalyst, saving the sector by encouraging regulatory experimentation. Brycan described this phase as the “third reinvention” of Philippine iGaming, stressing the government’s readiness to balance regulation with the need to remain accessible to operators.
Addressing POGO crackdowns and workforce challenges
The panel also discussed the crackdown on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). While China’s stance on online gambling placed the Philippines on a grey list, criticism arose because many POGOs failed to employ enough Filipinos despite the country’s reputation as the BPO capital of the world.
Paul Fox shared how his company Claymore Solutions recently partnered with Fanatics to launch back-office operations, repurposing displaced Filipino workers from the POGO sector. Kris Galloway underscored the organisational restructuring needed to adapt, while Brycan reflected on the resilience of the Filipino workforce. Although around 80,000 jobs were lost, many have transitioned into online freelancing, virtual assistance, and other roles within the gaming industry, especially in growing sectors like bingo.
Paul concluded that this is an exciting time for the Philippines as regulated companies increasingly hire locally, filling gaps left by the POGO closures. Hiring professionals with deep knowledge of the local market remains essential for sustained growth.
Culture in the Philippines remains strongly rooted in land-based gaming, but refining and expanding online offerings is becoming increasingly important. As Brycan Dayao put it, “We are willing to change.” The industry is committed to reinventing itself and staying competitive within Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving market. This adaptability and openness to innovation are key to securing the Philippines’ position as a regional iGaming leader.
As regulatory frameworks tighten across Asia, the Philippines is setting a progressive yet balanced example, shaping the future of iGaming investment, innovation, and competition throughout the region. For anyone involved in or entering the iGaming ecosystem, now is the time to strategise for the dynamic future being crafted in Southeast Asia.
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