PAGCOR rolls out new B2B iGaming Accreditation Framework
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has introduced a new regulatory regime for business-to-business (B2B) iGaming service providers, bringing game developers, aggregators, and support service firms under direct oversight for the first time. The newly issued framework, which took effect on 2 October, establishes clear accreditation requirements for all entities providing content, systems, or technical support to licensed operators.
“The newly issued B2B Accreditation Framework now provides the complete set of rules, requirements, and procedures governing the accreditation of Gaming Affiliates and Support Service Providers, clarifying how PAGCOR intends to regulate and monitor this sector moving forward,” Arden Consult, a regulatory advisory firm, said in a statement.
“PAGCOR aims to strengthen oversight across the iGaming ecosystem, ensuring that all third-party providers meet rigorous probity, technical, and compliance standards,” the regulatory advisory firm said. “Under the new framework, accreditation is mandatory for entities providing gaming content, technology, or support services to PAGCOR-licensed operators.” While the firm said that the accreditation is not an operator’s licence, it is a prerequisite approval that all support service companies must obtain to lawfully offer their products or services to PAGCOR-authorised gaming operators.
“PAGCOR’s framework follows the same principle: safeguarding the integrity of its licensed market by ensuring that only accredited and probity-cleared entities may participate in the supply chain,” it added.
Broad scope covers affiliates, technology vendors, and support firms
The framework applies across a wide range of service categories. “The accreditation requirement applies to a broad range of B2B provider categories defined in the new framework,” Arden Consult explained.
This includes gaming affiliates, which include game aggregators or entities that integrate and offer multiple game content from various developers to operators. It also includes Game Content Providers (GCPs), which are game developers or studios providing electronic game software or live game streams for operators.
“Each GCP is accredited per game offering, meaning a separate PAGCOR accreditation is required for each category of game content supplied,” the firm said.
Support functions are also covered. “Support Service Providers (SSPs), which cover various ancillary services necessary for gaming operations.” The SSP sub-categories include “Payment Channel Providers,” “Marketing/Promotional Service providers,” “Customer Service providers,” “Know-Your-Customer (KYC) / Membership System providers,” and “Independent Gaming Testing Laboratories (IGTLs).”
“The framework obliges all PAGCOR-licensed casinos, eGaming operators, and accredited Gaming System Administrators to engage only accredited B2B providers for any games, systems, or services,” the firm said.
Two-year accreditation term and new financial security requirement
The accreditation process introduces stricter eligibility and monitoring requirements. “Only SEC-registered corporations are eligible, and applicants must meet PAGCOR’s probity standards (e.g. being of good repute, financially sound, and with relevant experience),” Arden Consult said.
“PAGCOR will conduct thorough background checks and probity checks on the company, its key officers, and beneficial owners in accordance with the Probity Checking Framework issued by its AML supervision department.”
The new framework also extends accreditation validity. “Under the new regime, an accreditation’s validity is two (2) years from the date of Board approval. This represents an increase from the previous one-year term, aligning with PAGCOR’s shift to a biennial accreditation cycle for B2B providers.”
Following approval, “the accredited provider must post a Performance Cash Deposit (PCD) with PAGCOR before commencing operations.”
“The required PCD amount is PHP1 million ($17,171) for each accredited provider (for each game offering, in the case of a GCP, or each service category for an SSP).” The PCD “serves as financial security for the provider’s obligations and can be drawn on or forfeited by PAGCOR in certain circumstances (such as regulatory penalties or accreditation revocation, as discussed below),” the firm explained.
“In sum, the accreditation process imposes rigorous front-end scrutiny — corporate due diligence, technical vetting, and financial guarantees — and requires ongoing compliance to maintain the privileged status of an accredited B2B provider.”
Industry has been given until early 2026 to comply
To ease the transition, PAGCOR has provided clear timelines and incentives. “Notably, PAGCOR is offering an incentive for prompt applicants: any application for Gaming Affiliate or SSP accreditation submitted by 31 December 2025 (with complete requirements) will receive an initial accreditation valid for three years instead of the standard two years,” Arden Consult said.
Foreign companies are subject to firm deadlines. “Foreign Data/Content Streaming Providers (DCSPs) or game content providers that are not yet accredited… must complete their PAGCOR accreditation by 31 March 2026.”
“Failing that, the content will be deemed ‘non-compliant and unauthorised’ and will be removed from all PAGCOR-authorised gaming platforms after the deadline.”
“The Framework also provides an alternative option for foreign Gaming Affiliates: instead of establishing a local presence, they may appoint a Philippine-registered entity or a PAGCOR-accredited GSA as their exclusive distributor of products and services in the country,” it added.
Sanctions, forfeitures, and international alignment
Regulatory enforcement is built into the new structure. “From the operator side, PAGCOR has made clear that any GSA or licensee utilising an unaccredited service provider is subject to sanctions,” Arden Consult said.
“PAGCOR has made it clear that the era of loosely monitored service providers is over, and only those willing to operate under stringent regulatory scrutiny will be permitted to continue,” the firm said. “This regulatory direction is consistent with the best practices adopted in mature iGaming jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, New Jersey, Malta, Germany, and Ontario, where regulators have likewise introduced B2B licensing or accreditation requirements.”
“By implementing a formal accreditation scheme, PAGCOR is effectively elevating its regulatory regime to meet international standards of due diligence and risk management for gaming suppliers,” the firm said. “Stakeholders have noted that bringing service providers into the regulatory fold will improve industry transparency, prevent ‘bad actors’ from infiltrating the market, and enhance the overall reputation of Philippine e-gaming operations.”
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