Watch: Asia-Pacific gaming hub expansion opportunities explored
Peter Williams, Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at Continent 8 Technologies, delivers an authoritative analysis of the Philippines‘ iGaming trajectory in an exclusive interview with SiGMA TV. Leveraging 30 years of technology infrastructure expertise, Williams critiques regulatory transitions from First Cagayan’s rigorous oversight to PAGCOR’s governance failures, linking inadequate KYC protocols to the POGO sector’s collapse and significant economic repercussions.
Philippines regulatory assessment
Williams points to First Cagayan’s thorough KYC framework as a benchmark for effective regulation, where internet gaming licensees (IGLs) underwent rigorous vetting. The move to PAGCOR oversight during the Duterte administration saw these standards decline, contributing to the 2023 POGO prohibition. This led to devastating job losses and missed economic growth opportunities, demonstrating the critical need for regulatory foresight.
He advocates reinstating stringent KYC verification—particularly for beneficial ownership—and leveraging the Philippines’ bilingual talent to rebuild offshore licensing credibility. Williams advocates for external regulatory expertise to unlock the Philippines’ unrealised economic potential, noting its “terrific capacity to boost GDP” remains hindered by political pressures and governance shortcomings. The breakdown of supporting industries has intensified economic challenges, underscoring the critical need for reform.
Asia’s expansion
Vietnam and Thailand emerge as leading candidates for future gaming hubs, with Vietnam’s investor-friendly policies and Thailand’s advancing regulatory discussions showing promise. Williams observes that while the UAE demonstrates strong KYC standards, cultural factors may limit gaming adoption there.
Continent 8 is facilitating this geographic shift, deploying infrastructure across Latin America, including Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina. Their Kahnawake Gaming Commission license provides operators flexibility in grey markets by bypassing rigid server-location requirements while maintaining compliance. Williams notes this approach supports operators targeting Brazil‘s anticipated summer 2024 market launch, where Continent 8 already offers public cloud solutions and DDoS protection tailored to emerging regulatory landscapes. The company’s expansion includes new offices in Manila, reinforcing its commitment to Asia-Pacific growth through localised technical and regulatory support.
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