PAGCOR Issues Two Regulatory Updates Affecting the Philippine Gaming Industry — March 2026

PAGCOR's Board of Directors approved two regulatory issuances in late March 2026 with compliance deadlines beginning as early as May 31, 2026. Arden Consult summarizes the key points below.

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Regulatory Framework Amendments — March 26, 2026

PAGCOR has amended its Regulatory Framework for the Accreditation of Gaming Affiliates and Support Service Providers (Revision No. 1), with the following key changes:

· The definition of Game Aggregator (GA) is expanded to explicitly include entities providing Electronic Gaming Systems (EGS), Online Gaming Platforms (OGP), and gaming system software to PAGCOR-accredited or licensed entities.

· A new Exclusive Distributor or Reseller category is introduced — a local GA or Game Content Provider (GCP) appointed by a foreign-based GA/GCP with sole distribution rights to accredited GSAs or Integrated Resort licensees.

· Foreign-based GAs/GCPs that are not seeking PAGCOR accreditation must appoint an accredited local Gaming Affiliate as exclusive distributor to continue offering products in the Philippines.

· GSAs — including those with existing GA or GCP accreditation — are prohibited from acting as distributor or reseller of any foreign-based GA or GCP.

· A local GA or GCP may hold up to five (5) exclusive distributorships within the same accreditation category.

Action required:

▸ May 31, 2026 — B2B Provider accreditation applications must be submitted.

▸ June 1, 2026 — All existing distributorship agreements must be declared to PAGCOR. Undeclared agreements will be void.

MGF Implementation Deferred — March 30, 2026

Citing the current economic crisis, PAGCOR has deferred the Minimum Guaranteed Fee (MGF) for Gaming System Administrators (GSAs) by two (2) months, or until June 1, 2026. The revised schedule is as follows:

1st Tranche (June 1 – December 31, 2026):

▸ GSAs with Electronic Casino Games — Min. GGR: PhP 30M/month | MGF: PhP 9M/month

▸ GSAs without Electronic Casino Games — Min. GGR: PhP 15M/month | MGF: PhP 3M/month

2nd Tranche (January 1, 2027 onwards):

▸ GSAs with Electronic Casino Games — Min. GGR: PhP 35M/month | MGF: PhP 10.5M/month

▸ GSAs without Electronic Casino Games — Min. GGR: PhP 20M/month | MGF: PhP 4M/month

Before June 1, 2026, the Electronic Gaming Licensing Department (EGLD) will evaluate prevailing industry conditions and may further adjust, proceed with, or lift the deferment. This memorandum also constitutes PAGCOR's official reply to all pending MGF extension requests.

All concerned parties are advised to take note of the applicable deadlines and review their existing arrangements accordingly. Need expert compliance and regulatory guidance? Connect with us at Arden Consult via email at info@ardenconsult.org.

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‍Source: PAGCOR Board Resolution, March 26, 2026 (www.pagcor.ph)