PAGCOR new fee rules impact 60% of Philippine online gaming operators

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has implemented a new minimum guaranteed fee (MGF) structure for online gaming operators, a move that is significantly impacting the regulated market. According to an analysis by Arden Consult, more than 60% of licensed online gaming system administrators operated below the new revenue benchmarks during the second quarter of 2026.

Under the current phase, which began July 1, 2026, operators offering electronic casino games must pay a minimum monthly fee of PHP 9 million (approximately $147,000) based on a monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR) benchmark of PHP 30 million. Operators without electronic casino games face a lower threshold of PHP 3 million in fees against a PHP 15 million revenue benchmark. The fixed fee must be paid even if actual revenue falls below these levels.

Philippine online gross gaming revenue was reported at approximately $1.19 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 31% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. The regulatory requirements are set to tighten further on January 1, 2027, when the minimum monthly fee will rise to PHP 10.5 million and the revenue benchmark will increase to PHP 35 million.