Asia
IESF Announces Speakers for First Day of World Esports Summit

The International Esports Federation (IESF) announced the featured expert speakers for the first day of the World Esports Summit, scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 2 at the Busan Esports Arena. IESF recently debuted a new visual identity and branding for the hybrid event that continues to unite the World Esports Family.
The WE Summit is supported by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Busan Metropolitan City and Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency. IESF has hosted the event every year since 2016 and is consistently advancing to best serve its members and as an exchange platform for key Esports stakeholders from around the world to promote discussion, evolution, and good governance.
Session 1: Spotlight on Asia’s Success Factors
The first panel will examine Asia’s Esports experience, identify key Asian success factors and determine considerations that could be emulated in other markets for accelerated Esports growth. Korea Esports Association International Relations Specialist Hyucksoo David Shin will serve as the moderator.
Panel Discussion:
Samart Benjamin Assarasakorn – Chief Executive Secretary, Thailand Esports Federation
H.R.H. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud – President, Saudi Esports Federation
Hung Do Viet – General Secretary, Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sport Association
Vlad Marinescu – President, International Esports Federation
Session 2: Streamlining Cooperation for Successful Competition
This panel is set to bring together athletes, publishers and other relevant Esports competition stakeholders to develop synergies, foster cooperation, and improve communications for a brighter Esports future, and will be moderated by EA Sports Senior Program Manager Byungho Kang.
Panel Discussion:
Tiffani Lim – Athletes Committee Chairperson, International Esports Federation
Paul Kim – Esports Business Development & KR Esports Lead, KRAFTON
Tiago Fernandes – Operations Director, GIRLGAMER Esports Festival
Session 3: The Unsung Heroes of Esports
The Unsung Heroes of Esports panel will shine a light on and tell the stories of the people behind the scenes that provide support systems for Esports leagues and competitions worldwide. Advance Learning Partnership Consultant Nesli Kolasinli will moderate the panel.
Panel Discussion:
Wolf Schröder – Esports Commentator, LCK
Verta Maloney – Chief Innovation Officer & Co-founder, the*gameHERs
Joanie Kraut – CEO, Women in Games International
Bora Hercicek – Competition Manager, University Esports Turkey
Session 4: Driving Growth Through Derivative Content
This panel will explore the expanding world of derivative Esports content and will include sharing success stories, evaluating trends and discussing opportunities for new and undiscovered markets, moderated by Women in Games Ambassador Lucy Chow.
Panel Discussion:
Baki Can Kadıoglu – General Manager, Futbolist LLC
Pelle Karlsson – Commercial Leader APAC, Nielsen Sports
Donald Yeo – Account Director, Esports, Octagon Singapore IPG DXTRA
Serhat Bekdemir – Country Manager Turkey, Amazon University Esports
Video highlights from the WE Summit will be available on IESF’s YouTube channel. Several featured panels and Q&A sessions will also be live streamed on YouTube.
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Asia
PAGCOR Enforces Accreditation for All iGaming Service Providers by 2026

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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has given gaming affiliates, developers and support service providers until early 2026 to comply with its newly implemented B2B Accreditation Framework, a regulatory system that formalises participation in the iGaming supply chain.
Companies that submit applications by December 31, 2025, will qualify for a three-year initial accreditation, while unaccredited foreign content providers face removal from licensed platforms after March 31, 2026.
The framework, which took effect on October 2, sets mandatory accreditation requirements for all third-party entities providing gaming content, systems or technical support to PAGCOR-licensed operators.
Accreditation covers several categories, including gaming affiliates, game content providers (GCPs) and support service providers (SSPs). Gaming affiliates may act as aggregators that distribute multiple game titles to operators, while GCPs are developers or studios supplying electronic game software or live-streamed content.
Accreditation is valid for two years from the date of PAGCOR Board approval, an increase from the previous one-year term.
Foreign data or content streaming providers that fail to secure accreditation by the March 2026 deadline will have their content deemed “non-compliant and unauthorized.” They may appoint a Philippine-registered company or a PAGCOR-accredited Gaming System Administrator as their exclusive distributor instead of setting up a local office.
PAGCOR has warned that licensed operators using unaccredited service providers may face sanctions.
The post PAGCOR Enforces Accreditation for All iGaming Service Providers by 2026 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Aquisitions/Mergers
Gregorio Araneta to Sell its Entire 57% Stake in PhilWeb to Nexora Holdings and Velora Holdings

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Philippine eGames provider PhilWeb’s principal shareholder Gregorio Araneta Inc (GAINC) is going to sell its entire 57% stake in PhilWeb to Nexora Holdings Inc and Velora Holdings Inc for a total consideration of Php1.8 billion (US$30.8 million), representing 829,574,354 common shares.
GAINC is owned by Gregorio “Greggy” Araneta III, a member of the powerful Araneta family and the brother-in-law of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Given that the transaction would involve control of more than 35% of the outstanding voting shares of PhilWeb, the buyers will be required to conduct a mandatory tender offer to remaining shareholders to acquire full control of the company as per local laws.
PhilWeb noted that the buyers are closely linked to the company, with current PhilWeb President & Director Edgar Brian K. Ng also serving as President, Chairman & a Director of Nexora, while current PhilWeb Vice Chairman and Director Crisanto Roy B. Alcid is a Director and the Treasurer of Nexora.
The post Gregorio Araneta to Sell its Entire 57% Stake in PhilWeb to Nexora Holdings and Velora Holdings appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
ArenaPlus
DigiPlus Announces Partnership with Bayad

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DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer in digital entertainment in the Philippines, announced an exclusive partnership with Bayad, a trusted authority in bills payment services, to expand over-the-counter (OTC) or physical payment options for players of BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone.
The partnership was formally signed on October 8, 2025, led by top executives from both companies: Eusebio H. Tanco, Chairman of DigiPlus; Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent Inc., a subsidiary of DigiPlus; Ray C. Espinosa, Chairman of Bayad; and Lawrence Y. Ferrer, President and CEO of Bayad. The agreement is effective immediately, making DigiPlus Bayad’s only gaming partner for OTC cash transactions.
Through this collaboration, DigiPlus customers gain access to Bayad’s extensive network of payment touchpoints, present across 800+ Bayad Center branches and Bayad Partners in malls, supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide.
Bayad is accredited by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as an Electronic Money Issuer (EMI). DigiPlus partners only with BSP-accredited payment channels in accordance with the requirements of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), ensuring that all player wallet transactions are processed through secure and compliant payment platforms.
BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone players can now make cash-ins or deposits through Bayad. Additional features including cash-outs or withdrawals and access through the Bayad App will be rolled out in next phases, providing DigiPlus customers with more options to manage their funds conveniently and safely.
“At DigiPlus, our priority is to deliver engaging entertainment while ensuring safe and reliable services for our players. This partnership with Bayad provides customers with more secure and convenient ways to manage their transactions, reinforcing our commitment to player protection and dependable service at every touchpoint,” said Eusebio H. Tanco, Chairman of DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
“Today, we take another meaningful step forward through our partnership with DigiPlus. Together, we’re expanding access to digital channels and offering new, engaging, and responsible ways for Filipinos to experience convenience and entertainment made possible by accessible and inclusive financial services,” said Atty. Ray C. Espinosa, Chairman of the Board at Bayad.
The Bayad payment channels partnership adds to DigiPlus’ growing customer service network and player support, which already includes its in-house 24/7 customer support, 130+ physical BingoPlus stores nationwide and a surety bond for player wallets. These expanding service touchpoints reflect DigiPlus’ continued commitment to delivering digital entertainment with safe, reliable and accessible service for Filipinos.
The post DigiPlus Announces Partnership with Bayad appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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