(AsiaGameHub) –   The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a memorandum delaying the rollout of the new monthly minimum guaranteed fee (MGF) for licensed online operators by two months, according to reports.

As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, the Electronic Gaming Licensing Department at PAGCOR likely initiated this postponement due to the “current economic crisis.” Consequently, the first tranche has been pushed from 1 April 2026 to 1 June 2026, while the second tranche has been moved from 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2027.

Upon the implementation of the first tranche, operators providing electronic casino games to the Philippine iGaming sector will be required to pay a monthly MGF of Php 9m (roughly €129,200) if their monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaches at least Php 30m (roughly €430,800).

For those not offering online casino titles, a monthly MGF of Php 3m (roughly €43,080) will apply, provided they generate a minimum monthly GGR of Php 15m (roughly €215,400).

Regarding the second tranche, suppliers of online casino games will face a monthly MGF of Php 10.5m (roughly €150,800) if their monthly GGR is at least Php 35m (roughly €502,600).

Operators who do not provide online casino games will be subject to a monthly MGF of Php 4m (roughly €57,400) if their monthly GGR hits a minimum of Php 20m (roughly €287,300).

Any operator found offering online casino games without proper declaration to PAGCOR will face administrative sanctions, which could include the suspension or revocation of their accreditation.

Inside Asian Gaming also noted that the memorandum indicates PAGCOR will perform a thorough assessment of industry conditions to determine if further adjustments to the MGF are necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the sector.

PAGCOR tightens regulatory screws

While extending the MGF timeline, PAGCOR has recently intensified its regulatory oversight of the gambling industry, securing agreements with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).

A newly signed memorandum of agreement with the DOJ incorporates its personnel into PAGCOR’s list of individuals prohibited from entering casinos.

According to the state-run Philippine News Agency, this marks the first such agreement between the regulatory body and the government agency.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida stated: “This data-sharing initiative is both timely and necessary. By enabling a more efficient and accurate identification system, we strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure that policies are not only written but meaningfully implemented.

“It allows PAGCOR to better regulate access to gaming revenues and empowers the DOJ to reinforce discipline within its ranks.”

In other developments, GLI has become the first gaming testing firm to receive certification from PAGCOR, tasked with the testing and verification of iGaming platforms within the Philippine market.

Alejandro Tengco, Chair and CEO of PAGCOR, remarked: “We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing/certification, and data security.

“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.”