Asia
PAGCOR STRENGTHENS REGULATORY CONTROLS TO MAKE THE PHILIPPINES A PRIME GAMING DESTINATION
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco discussed the agency’s plans and programs to make the Philippines a leading gaming destination in the ASEAN region.
Chairman Tengco was invited to deliver the Keynote Address on the third day of the G2E Asian IR Summit in Macau on July 13, 2023. In his speech, the PAGCOR chief expressed optimism that with the gaming regulatory reforms which the agency is undertaking, the Philippine gaming industry will be more responsive to the needs of the changing times while addressing the social ills that come with gaming operations.
The Philippine gaming industry started to bounce back as it gradually transitioned into the new normal. Following its mandate to regulate and uphold the integrity of gaming operations in the Philippines, PAGCOR generated P58.96 billion in 2022, an impressive 66.16% year-on-year increase from its P35.48 billion total income in 2021. Net income last year reached P4.45 billion, a 2,000% leap from P203.57 million recorded in 2021.
This achievement enabled the agency to fulfill its other role as the government’s partner in generating revenues for socio-civic programs by increasing its contributions to nation-building from P22.91 billion in 2021 to P34.67 billion in 2022.
In view of PAGCOR’s dual role as operator and regulator, its operations have been the subject of scrutiny by key decision makers and major gaming industry players.
Thus, since its assumption a year ago, the new PAGCOR Board of Directors has started strengthening the agency’s regulatory function and has promoted the privatization of PAGCOR-run Casino Filipino facilities. Such move will allow the corporation to grow and compete in both domestic and international markets through the infusion of new capital and advanced technologies which can facilitate expansions, upgrades and innovations.
“By focusing on its regulatory functions, PAGCOR will be able to avoid the complexities of running two different shows. It can also streamline its processes and create more revenues that will fund more high impact government projects,” Tengco said.
Before PAGCOR gaming venues are privatized, however, they will be upgraded to add value to the properties. Programs include the modernization of Information and Communication Technology and Cybersecurity infrastructure, including its Casino Management System and introduction of the Casino Filipino Online; upgrading of more than 3,000 electronic gaming machines (EGMs); and the updating of PAGCOR Technical Standards for EGMs.
To combat the proliferation of illegal gambling in the country, PAGCOR continuously coordinates with various law enforcement agencies. It has instituted reforms to address the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations which have been recently associated with crime, money laundering and corruption. It has canceled the contract entered by the previous Board with the third-party auditor for offshore gaming operations and has introduced new fees and imposed heavy fines and penalties to Licensees and Service Providers found to be engaged in criminal activities. Furthermore, accreditations were suspended and canceled and Licensees were held responsible for the conduct of their Service Providers.
Despite these, gross gaming revenue of online gaming operations is projected to reach P24 billion by the end of this year, more than double last year’s P11 billion.
Tengco stated, “We shall undertake this painstaking process to weed out the unscrupulous companies and individuals using the PAGCOR license for illegal activities, tainting the name of the whole industry and most especially the Philippines.”
PAGCOR has likewise accredited Gaming System Service Providers for Traditional Bingo, Electronic Bingo, Electronic (eCasino) Games, Sports Betting and E-Billiards. Its licensed casinos were recently allowed to use remote gaming platforms for their live casino games that cater to their registered casino players.
Currently, PAGCOR is studying the possibility of regulating other facets of the overseas gaming operations, or the possible regulation of a special class of Business Process Outsourcing.
Through closed borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, PAGCOR has evolved and continues to adapt to the changing times by licensing new gaming options within its jurisdiction and properly regulating them.
“I know much still needs to be done, but I believe that we are on the right track towards making the Philippines a prime gaming destination in the ASEAN region,” Tengco concluded.
Asia
S8UL Esports Secures iQOO as Title Sponsor for its Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 Rosters
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S8UL Esports, a global name in esports and gaming content, has onboarded high-performance smartphone brand iQOO as the Title Sponsor for its Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 rosters. With this strengthened alliance, iQOO deepens its commitment to supporting India’s top esports talent while S8UL further accelerates its multi-title expansion ahead of a landmark competitive season.
iQOO has supported the growth of Indian esports for several years, working closely with top teams and major tournaments. Its continued association with iQOO SOUL, one of India’s leading BGMI rosters, has contributed to the team’s strong performances, including its recent win at the Chennai Esports Global Championship 2025.
Extending this support to S8UL’s newly signed rosters, the brand will equip athletes with its powerful, gaming-optimized smartphones to enhance their training and tournament preparation. As part of the partnership, the iQOO logo will feature prominently on the front of the team jerseys, and both rosters will now compete under the names iQOO S8UL Pokémon UNITE and iQOO S8UL MOBA Legends 5v5.
“iQOO has been with S8UL for a long time, starting with our BGMI team, and their support has played an important role in our journey. Extending this partnership to our Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 teams is a natural next step as we grow across more titles. Our focus at S8UL is to build strong, well-prepared rosters in every game we enter, and working with a partner like iQOO helps us give our players the tools they need to compete with confidence in India and internationally.,” said Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL Esports.

S8UL’s Pokémon UNITE team, led by captain Manmohan Singh (AllMight) and comprising Rahul Sharad Lavhate (Kyurem), Deep Patel (Snowyy), Adnan Badshah (Badshahh), and Rudra Narayan Nayak (ReX), is widely regarded as the top roster in the South Asia region. The team has claimed three regional championships in the last three years and has consistently represented India on the international stage at the Pokémon UNITE World Championship.
The organization’s newly signed MOBA Legends 5v5 roster arrives with a wealth of experience and an impressive track record across India’s community-led tournaments. The team includes in-game leader Mohammad Saad (Apex), Abhijeet Katkar (Abhi), Mehta Jay (J), Chirag Singh (Radium), Debasish Sana (Anti) and Anush N (Fear). Apex notably competed at the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2024 at the Esports World Cup, which featured a staggering USD 3 million (approx. INR 26.7 crore) prize pool.
The enhanced partnership with iQOO comes at a time when S8UL is rapidly scaling its multi-title presence. Earlier this year, S8UL became the first and only Indian organisation selected for the prestigious Club Partner Program of the Esports World Cup 2025, placing it among the world’s elite esports organisations.
On the content front, the organization recently won the ‘Esports Content Group of the Year’ for the fourth time in a row, while Co-Founder Animesh “8Bit Thug” Agarwal earned the title of ‘Esports Personality of the Year’ at the Esports Awards 2025, underlining the organisation’s unmatched influence across both esports and creator ecosystems.
By bringing two high-potential rosters under the iQOO S8UL banner, the organisation reinforces its drive to build winning line-ups across every title it enters. The newly branded iQOO S8UL Pokémon UNITE roster will be the first to step into action, competing at the Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2026 – India from November 29.
The post S8UL Esports Secures iQOO as Title Sponsor for its Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 Rosters appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
BetConstruct AI to Participate in SiGMA South Asia 2025
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BetConstruct AI is preparing for a strong presence at SiGMA South Asia 2025, taking place from 1 to 2 December in Colombo, Sri Lanka. At stand P11, the company will showcase its latest innovations.
“This event marks an important moment in our global journey, bringing our vision, our technology, and our creative ambition to one of Asia’s most forward-looking gatherings,” the Company said.
“As the region’s iGaming community comes together, we step into the spotlight at Stand P11 to present an ecosystem shaped for modern operators. Visitors will experience more than a traditional showcase. They will enter an atmosphere where intelligence, innovation, and imagination meet, revealing how a unified product world can create meaningful progress across digital and retail channels.
“At the core of this experience stand the two defining pillars of our ecosystem, the Sportsbook and the Casino Suite. Together, they show how coverage, personalisation, content depth, and consistent multi-channel performance create a reliable operational base. These pillars open the door to a broader environment where player interaction, loyalty frameworks, and operational creativity take centre stage.
“Within this environment, The Last Battle introduces a new expression of progression and player value, turning loyalty into an active and dynamic journey. Our Land-Based Solutions bring the same level of intelligence into physical venues, supported by tools that elevate retail operations, and by Loya, our loyalty platform designed to strengthen relationships inside every shop. Alongside these stands Affigates, our standalone affiliate ecosystem developed for operators seeking reach, quality, and partnership within a trusted global framework.
“Completing the picture is our AI Suite, the analytical layer woven through every product. CRM AI enhances engagement with behavioural insight. Umbrella AI reinforces operational stability through early risk detection and informed decision-making. The AI Game Recommendation System elevates personalisation by aligning each player with content suited to their behaviour. Together, they form the intelligence engine that drives our entire ecosystem.
“As part of our presence at the event, we will also highlight our limited commercial offer, providing a 50% reduction on setup fees, tools, and services for all new agreements signed on or before 15 January 2026. This offer is designed to help operators plan their 2026 launches with stronger commercial terms and reduced initial investment.
“Our participation at SiGMA South Asia reflects our commitment to delivering technology that is adaptive, comprehensive, and ready for the opportunities emerging across the region. We invite all attendees to explore, engage, and experience the future of integrated iGaming in Colombo.”
The post BetConstruct AI to Participate in SiGMA South Asia 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Stricter rules help shape a more responsible E-Games sector – PAGCOR
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The country’s E-Games and E-Bingo operators are navigating a difficult but necessary transition toward stricter safeguards and more transparent operations that help shape a more responsible industry, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said.
Speaking during a gathering of the Association of Independent Licensed Gaming and Amusement Operators, Inc. (AILGAO) in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday, Mr. Tengco acknowledged that recent reforms have prompted adjustments across the E-Games sector.
He cited in particular the mandatory de-linking of e-wallets from online gaming platforms which he said is intended to strengthen the credibility of legitimate operators while preventing potential harm on young and vulnerable players.
“You may be interested to know that in the third quarter of 2025, we recorded an industry GGR that was a bit lower than last year,” The PAGCOR chief said. “But this reflects an industry transitioning to stronger and safer practices.”
He noted that the E-Games and E-Bingo segment still grew 17.4 percent in the third quarter compared with the same period last year, but admitted that the de-linking policy triggered a temporary GGR decline in August and September.
“We know that many of you were affected by this sudden development,” he said. “However, we must not look at these reforms as obstacles but as safeguards designed to protect your players, your businesses, and the entire ecosystem you operate in.”
Mr. Tengco also warned that while legitimate licensees are adapting responsibly, illegal operators continue to expand aggressively without paying taxes or observing player protection protocols.
“They expose players to financial fraud and data theft,” he said. “But the worst part is, they damage the reputation of the entire industry, including the legitimate ones.”
Mr. Tengco also commended the licensed operators for their resilience and willingness to comply with more stringent rules.
“Tonight, we recognize all of you for being the backbone of the legitimate online gaming sector: innovating and adapting quickly, and staying compliant even when the rules become stricter,” he said. “You understand that integrity is the foundation of sustainability.”
During the event, AILGAO presented Mr. Tengco with a “Gaming Exemplary Leadership Award” in recognition of his support for licensed operators and his efforts in championing safer and more transparent gaming standards nationwide.
AILGAO President Rafael Tabora, for his part, expressed gratitude for PAGCOR’s initiatives and pledged the group’s full cooperation.
“We welcome these reforms because they strengthen the legitimacy of our operations and create a safer environment for our players,” he said.
The post Stricter rules help shape a more responsible E-Games sector – PAGCOR appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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