Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs) Continue Expansion with 44 Authorized Service Providers

Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs) are on the rise, with the nation’s gaming regulator reporting 44 service providers authorized as of early June. While offshore gaming has recently dominated attention due to issues with illegal POGO operations, now termed Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), the state gaming regulator has also sanctioned 10 ‘authorized online/remote gaming platforms’ operated by major integrated resort and hotel casino operators.

These online casino platforms, run by entities such as Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels, Travellers International Hotel Group, Stotsenberg Leisure Park and Hotel, Thunderbird Pilipinas Hotels & Resorts, and Eastbay Resorts, offer a variety of live dealer games, slots, and virtual games to Filipino customers nationwide.

Other authorized online gaming operators include Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment, MJC Investments Corp, Hann Philippines, and BB International Leisure and Resort Development. The sole non-casino operator among them is Bingo Plus, managed by AB Leisure Exponent and owned by the listed gaming firm Digiplus Corp.

These 10 companies are permitted to run online and remote gaming platforms, utilizing their physical premises to provide offerings such as Live Baccarat, Roulette, Slots, ETGs, Virtual Dealer games, Live Gaming Tables, and Bingo.

Additionally, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has authorized 34 service providers to deliver eCasino Games, Sports Betting, eBingo, and Specialty Games as of June 5th. This list includes operations like Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies, PhilWeb Corp, and TGXI. These operators must maintain a physical space and cannot function solely online.

PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department mentioned that 13 of the 34 licensed gaming system service providers have not yet started commercial operations.

The expansion of PAGCOR’s online gambling licensing beyond the contentious POGO sector continues to reflect its welcoming stance towards domestic online play. PIGO licenses, introduced in late 2020, have led to a significant increase in competition as operators enter the space.

PAGCOR’s Chairman, Alejandro H. Tengco, emphasized the eGames sector's crucial role in revenue growth, implementing tax reductions that have attracted more operators. Current tax rates for the online sector are set at 35 percent but will be reduced to 30 percent by January 1st, 2025. Land-based operators with an online component currently pay about 25 percent.

By fLEXI tEAM