The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a formal memorandum delaying the rollout of its new monthly minimum guaranteed fee (MGF) for online operators.
Citing the critical need to maintain long-term sector sustainability during a period of global economic pressure, the regulator has pushed the initial implementation date from April to June 1, 2026, giving operators more breathing room to adjust their financial planning.
A Two-Tranche Rollout
The new fee structure is divided into two distinct phases to allow for a smoother transition. The first tranche, starting in June, requires operators offering electronic casino games to pay a Php 9m MGF (approx. €129,200) if their monthly Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) reaches Php 30m.
Those without casino games will pay Php 3m. The second tranche, scheduled for January 1, 2027, will see those fees rise to Php 10.5m for electronic casino providers, reflecting PAGCOR’s goal of maximizing state revenue from top-earning entities.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco emphasized that the delay in fees does not indicate a relaxation of regulatory standards:
“PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply with the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players. We are committed to a safe and sustainable market.”
As part of this tightening, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been certified as the first testing and certification provider under the new framework. This ensures that every platform operating in the jurisdiction meets global standards for fairness and security.
Operators found offering unauthorized casino titles will face severe administrative penalties, including the potential immediate cancellation of their accreditation.
