The Philippine online gaming landscape is bracing for a massive shake-up in 2026 following strict new mandates from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR). Under a December 2025 memorandum, licensed operators in the Philippines must now generate at least P30 billion in monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR) and pay a fixed P9 billion monthly guarantee fee.
These high financial hurdles are expected to force widespread consolidation. Experts predict the number of active platforms could plummet from the current 33 to just 15 by April. Tony Manguiat, president of HHR Philippines, noted the severity of the situation for smaller players.
“When current gross gaming revenues from various platforms are added up and measured against the new requirements, more than half, or possibly as much as three-fourths, do not reach the level needed to operate independently,” Manguiat explained.
Partnerships with Land-Based Casinos
To survive, many service providers are seeking mergers or partnerships with established land-based casinos to pool revenues and meet Philippines GGR threshold. In addition to the guarantee fee, operators must remit roughly 30 percent of their GGR to the regulator, further squeezing margins. HHR Philippines has already established a CSR arm, Buenas Cares, to manage the social development portion of these remittances.
A Stabilized, Regulated Future
While the immediate effect will be a “quieter” market in the first half of 2026 as companies adjust, Manguiat views the regulations as a necessary step toward stability. The new rules aim to integrate unregulated activities into the formal system, leaving fewer but stronger operators better equipped to handle long-term compliance. By mid-year, the sector is expected to emerge leaner, with larger entities dominating a more strictly regulated market.
