PAGCOR's Offshore Gaming Licensing Department (OGLD) has issued the Accreditation Framework for Data Streaming Providers (DSPs), effective 23 April 2026 (OGLD-RF26002, Rev. 0). The framework establishes the regulated pathway for Philippine-based entities that operate live-streaming gaming studios and deliver gameplay feeds to operators licensed in foreign jurisdictions.
What the framework covers
The DSP regime applies to a specific business model: Philippine-incorporated companies that host live-dealer studios — with physical tables, staff, and equipment on-site — and stream that content on a strictly business-to-business basis to foreign-licensed gaming operators. It does not cover studios located abroad, streaming aimed at the Philippine domestic market, or any entity that interacts directly with end-bettors.
Accredited DSPs may produce and stream live-dealer content across five categories: live casino table games, live slot machine games, live bingo, live specialty games (which includes the Color Game, a traditional Filipino perya game now played internationally in live-streamed format), and live marble games.
How it relates to existing PAGCOR regimes
The framework follows the same regulatory logic as PAGCOR's Special Class BPO (SCBPO) regime — both require a minimum 90% Filipino workforce, confine the accredited entity to servicing licensed operators abroad, and place operations under continuous PAGCOR oversight. The DSP model should not be confused with the former POGO structure: a DSP does not operate games or accept bets. It provides live-streaming infrastructure to operators licensed elsewhere.
Two business models
Every DSP must fall within one of two classes:
· Class 1 (Single-Client DSP) services exactly one foreign-licensed operator. This suits captive arrangements where a studio is established by or for a particular operator. Application and renewal fees are set at USD 100,000 per year.
· Class 2 (Third-Party DSP) services multiple foreign-licensed operators, capped at five (extendable to ten on OGLD review). A Class 2 DSP must onboard at least two licensed operators within the prescribed period or face a USD 50,000-per-year penalty. Application and renewal fees are USD 50,000 per operator, per year.
Key qualification requirements
Applicants must be SEC-registered with authorized capital of at least PHP 10 million and paid-up capital of at least PHP 2 million. Directors and officers must clear PAGCOR's probity checks conducted by the Anti-Money Laundering Supervision and Enforcement Department. The foreign operator-customer is evaluated alongside the applicant — weak operator credentials or a questionable licensing jurisdiction will undermine the application regardless of the applicant's own standing.
The 90% Filipino workforce floor applies across all roles — managerial, supervisory, and rank-and-file — throughout the life of the accreditation. Foreign personnel may be increased for highly specialized functions but cannot exceed 25% of total workforce.
The application path
The path from application to operating DSP runs through six sequential stages: Letter of Intent, probity and fees and ocular inspection, Board consideration, pre-operational compliance (including the Performance Cash Deposit, independent game-testing certification, AMLC registration, and a CMED-EG and ITD walkthrough), Notice to Commence Operations, and Permit to Possess for gaming tables and equipment. Operations may not begin until the full sequence is complete.
Full accreditation required
For entities looking to run live-dealer studios in the Philippines that stream to operators licensed abroad, this framework is the only legitimate pathway. Full PAGCOR accreditation is required before any equipment is procured or operations begin. The framework carries significant enforcement provisions — misrepresentation in any submission triggers a perpetual ban, operating without a Notice to Commence Operations is a sanctionable offense, and failure to complete post-cancellation obligations can disqualify an entity's directors and officers from any future PAGCOR accreditation.
Arden Consult has published a detailed Client Briefing on the DSP framework, covering scope, eligibility, the full application path, lifecycle management, fees, and the headline risk triggers. Clients considering DSP accreditation or evaluating the framework's impact on existing operations should contact us for tailored guidance.
###
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. The framework is subject to amendment by the PAGCOR Board of Directors at any time.
Arden Consult has published a detailed Client Briefing on the DSP framework, covering scope, eligibility, the full application path, lifecycle management, fees, and the headline risk triggers. Clients considering DSP accreditation or evaluating the framework's impact on existing operations should contact us for tailored guidance.
Full Client Briefing: PAGCOR's Accreditation Framework for DSPs | 23 April 2026 (OGLD-RF26002, Rev. 0)
