The Philippines playbook - Why the country is Asias gateway for regulated online gaming
At the SiGMA Asia 2025 summit in Manila, Marie Antonette B. Quiogue, Co-Founder and CEO of Arden Consult, delivered a compelling keynote on the Philippines evolving regulatory landscape for gaming. Her keynote, titled The Philippines 바카라book: A Strategic Guide for Operators & Suppliers, offered clear, structured insights for B2C and B2B companies aiming to legally establish and scale their gaming operations in the country and across Asia.
The Philippines right now is the only regulated online gaming jurisdiction in Asia. And second, it is just a matter of time before the rest of Asia follows.
Quiogue emphasised that for gaming operators and suppliers targeting Asia, the Philippines is the most viable and strategic entry point. With neighbouring countries like Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand inching toward online regulation, the Philippines sets a vital precedent for legal frameworks across the region.
This is your regulated gateway to online gaming in Asia.
Licensing, accreditation, and probity
Quiogue broke down PAGCORs (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) regulatory role into three distinct functions. First, licensing applies to B2C operators who offer games directly to players. Second, accreditation targets B2B service providers, such as platforms, affiliates, and customer support companies, who must register even though they do not directly operate games. Finally, probity involves ongoing checks and audits even after accreditation is granted, forming a key part of PAGCORs commitment to accountability and its efforts to curb illegal gambling.
Licensing gets you in. Accreditation makes you visible. And probity keeps you in check.
From offshore to onshore: A legal recalibration
A significant shift in regulation was also underscored: offshore licensing for operators is now illegal under Executive Order 74. The legal framework now focuses entirely on onshore gaming, where all betting must originate within the Philippines. This includes tightly controlled online gaming that remains tied to land-based 바카라 registration processes.
There is no more offshore gaming in the Philippines by virtue of law.
The accreditation process for onshore entities has been significantly expanded. What was once optional for B2B online gaming suppliers is now a firm requirement. Suppliers, including aggregators, content providers, payment gateways, KYC vendors, and marketing affiliates, must all seek accreditation from PAGCOR if they intend to work with licensed operators in the Philippines.
Basically, everyone you see here today… will need to be accredited.
Sustainability and structure for the future
PAGCORs approach is not solely focused on compliance; it is designed for the long-term sustainability of the gaming industry. Quiogue noted that the Philippines is adopting a more structured and accountable model, one that promotes legitimacy in the eyes of the global gaming community and attracts serious investment.
Growth without guardrails isnt sustainable.
With online gaming gross gaming revenue (GGR) recently surpassing land-based GGR for the first time, PAGCOR is acting swiftly to ensure that the industry grows with the proper standards in place. Quiogue also highlighted PAGCORs openness to industry dialogue, presenting a rare opportunity for businesses to contribute to shaping the regulatory environment.
PAGCOR is open to dialogue… In our experience, they’re very open to listening.
A final word of strategy
In a closing call to action, Quiogue urged businesses not to delay their entry into the market.
The Philippines is no longer a testing ground. Its an emerging regulatory model for the rest of Asia… The question wont be, should we enter the Philippines? You will be asking yourselves, Why didnt we do it sooner?
Dont miss more powerful panels like this one. Follow the SiGMA Asia 2025 agenda to stay ahead of regulatory trends, market shifts, and growth opportunities in the Asian gaming landscape.
