TLDR
- PAGCOR’s minimum guaranteed fee rule took effect on July 1, 2026, after two delays.
- Operators offering electronic casino games must pay a minimum of PHP9 million monthly once revenue hits PHP30 million.
- Operators without electronic casino games pay a PHP3 million minimum once revenue reaches PHP15 million.
- Fees rise again on January 1, 2027, to PHP10.5 million and PHP4 million.
- The number of accredited gaming system administrators has dropped to 60 as of July 30.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, known as PAGCOR, has confirmed its new minimum fee rule for online gaming system administrators started on July 1, 2026. The rule had already been pushed back twice before taking effect.
PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department told GGRAsia by email that the fees now apply to all accredited gaming system administrators. The regulator also issued a memo dated June 30 reminding operators about the monthly requirement.
First Tranche Fees
Under the first phase of the rule, running from July 1 to December 31, operators offering electronic casino games must pay a monthly minimum of PHP9 million, or about US$147,320. This applies once their gross gaming revenue reaches PHP30 million for the month.
Operators that do not offer electronic casino games face a lower threshold. They must pay a PHP3 million monthly minimum once revenue reaches PHP15 million.
PAGCOR said all operators must follow the rules that apply to their category. Statements of account covering July were sent out in early August. This marked the first billing cycle under the new system.
Fees Increase in 2027
A second phase of the fee structure begins on January 1, 2027. From that date, operators with electronic casino games must pay a PHP10.5 million monthly minimum once revenue hits PHP35 million.
Operators without electronic casino games will pay a PHP4 million minimum once revenue reaches PHP20 million. The fee levels depend on the type of gaming service each operator provides.
PAGCOR first announced the plan in December 2025. The agency said the rule was meant to close gaps in the old fee system and support fairness and accountability.
Officials said the monthly minimum would help ensure operators contribute fairly to national revenue. They also said it would encourage active and transparent business practices.
The rollout did not go as first planned. The rule was originally set to start on April 1, but PAGCOR delayed it to June 1 in late March. The start date was pushed back once more before finally taking effect on July 1.
Brian Ng, president of technology services provider PhilWeb, spoke about the changes in an April interview. He said the new fee structure could lead to consolidation in the industry.
Ng said this shift could end up helping operators that are already established and compliant with the rules. He added that the overall effect on industry volume would likely be limited.
According to Ng, a small group of operators account for most of the sector’s revenue. He estimated that 15 to 20 of the 65 active operators generated 80% of total gross gaming revenue at the time.
PAGCOR’s most recent list shows the number of accredited operators fell to 60 as of July 30. The new fee rule remains in effect, with the next increase scheduled for January 1, 2027.
