Latest News
PAGCOR celebrates proud achievements for the past 40 years
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) proudly looked back on its past achievements when it celebrated its 40th year at the Marriott Hotel Manila on July 11, 2023.
PAGCOR commemorated its four decades of existence by featuring its accomplishments, particularly its huge contributions to nation building. The agency was created in 1983 by virtue of Presidential Decree 1869, also known as the PAGCOR Charter, issued by then President Ferdinand Marcos.
No less than President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. graced the event, which proudly highlighted PAGCOR’s successful role as one of the national government’s biggest revenue generator and a reliable partner in the promotion of various endeavors that benefit the Filipino people.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco remarked that for 40 years, the agency’s recorded total Contributions to Nation Building (CNB) amounted to around P607 billion, while its total dividends remittances since 2011 is now at P64 billion. This brings PAGCOR’s actual total contributions to P671 billion.
Chairman Tengco emphasized that after one year under the administration of President Marcos (from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023), PAGCOR’s total CNB amounted to P45 billion, which, by the end of the year, is projected to reach P70 billion.
The PAGCOR chief likewise announced that the agency has been tapped as a funding source of the Universal Health Care Act when it was passed into law in 2019. Under said law, 50 percent of its remittances to the National Treasury has been allocated to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to fund the Universal Health Care (UHC) of the Filipino people.
In terms of its recent contributions to infrastructure, PAGCOR partnered with Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corporation (MRPFC) – the charitable arm of the City of Dreams Manila in funding the construction and purchase of medical and non-medical equipment for the 51-bed and state-of-the-art Presidential Security Group (PSG) Station Hospital.
The state-run-gaming and regulatory firm, in partnership with the Bloomberry Foundation, also helped establish the OFW Hospital in Pampanga and donated P300 million worth of medical equipment to the said medical facility. PAGCOR also funded the rehabilitation of sports facilities utilized for the 30th Southeast Asian Games by donating P842.5 million to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). The agency likewise donated P350 million to the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City for the procurement of various medical equipment.
Under the current administration, Chairman Tengco shared that PAGCOR will be channeling its resources to the promotion of education and health in the country. The agency will re-launch its School Building Project to help address classroom shortage in public schools nationwide. It will also build e-Libraries to provide learners from remote or depressed communities with an environment that is conducive for e-learning and online research.
Also in the pipeline are Socio-civic Centers and Community Wellness Centers to be built in different parts of the country. The agency will likewise be launching the “Bawat Buhay Mahalaga Serbisyo Caravan” – an all-encompassing endeavor focused on the distribution of educational, medical and financial assistance, among others, to various local government units and their citizens.
The agency will likewise be donating 250 units of Patient Transport Vehicles (PTV) to various local government units, in coordination with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
PAGCOR will also lead the establishment of the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Clark, Pampanga to cater to the medical needs of patients from Regions I, II, III and Metro Manila. It will consist, among others, of a heart center, kidney/cancer center and a children’s hospital. This project is intended to alleviate the plight of the Filipinos by bringing quality healthcare closer to people living outside Metro Manila.
The PAGCOR chief added that the agency’s significant socio-civic programs would not have been possible if not for the committed employees who have served as the agency’s strong pillars through the four decades.
Meanwhile, serving as the highlight of the event was the launch of the new logo, which represents the agency’s re-energized role as the main gaming regulator in the Philippines.
“The new PAGCOR logo incorporates the element of fire associated with energy, inspiration, passion, and transformation. It symbolizes the flame that ignites change and drives progress. The logo likewise reflects a beacon which symbolizes guidance, leadership, and direction. It represents a guiding light that helps people find their way,” Tengco added.
“All these taken together, our new logo reflects PAGCOR’s long standing commitment of being a guiding force that illuminates the way forward, drives transformation and development, and brings inspiration and motivation to the lives it touches,” Chairman Tengco furthered.
Amanda Slonzon VP of Compliance and Regulatory Strategy at RubyPlay
RubyPlay’s US Playbook – Turning compliance into a growth engine
After securing entry into its second US state, and with a third firmly in sight, RubyPlay is sharpening its compliance strategy to balance speed with precision. Amanda Slonzon, VP of Compliance and Regulatory Strategy, explains how the company’s US Playbook is helping to turn regulation into a growth engine, from leveraging New Jersey as a benchmark, to preparing for Pennsylvania’s unique challenges, and building trust-based relationships with regulators and partners across the industry.
When people think about compliance in the US iGaming industry, they often imagine it as the handbrake that slows expansion and stifles innovation. For me, it is the opposite as compliance sits in the driver’s seat. It is not simply a support function but a product in itself that enables us to grow faster, enter new markets with confidence and strengthen our relationships across the industry.
The US online casino market is both highly promising and highly fragmented. Only seven states currently regulate iGaming and each has its own framework. Navigating this landscape requires a deep understanding of both the common threads between states and the subtle differences that can make or break a market entry.
This is why we have developed a US Playbook at RubyPlay, which is a detailed, in-house framework for understanding and applying state-by-state requirements in a way that is tailored to our products and infrastructure. With it, our compliance and regulatory specialists break down each regulation, interpret it in the context of our business, and share that knowledge across the company.
Market comparisons
New Jersey will always be the starting point for most operators and suppliers entering the US. It was the pioneer of state-level regulation and, in many ways, still sets the standard for others to follow. Meeting New Jersey’s requirements ensures a company is well-prepared for other states, many of which recognise its certifications. Delaware, for example, places direct reliance on New Jersey approvals, a pragmatic approach that can streamline entry for those already licensed in the Garden state. But even with these efficiencies, each state demands its own level of preparation and adaptation.
Regulators in the US take compliance very seriously and ensure that every technical aspect of a business meets their requirements. Unlike some EU markets, where providers may not need a B2B license, every US state requires B2B licensing through a thorough, state-specific process. While major shifts are rare, when they occur they can significantly impact the industry. Right now, sweepstakes is the most talked-about development, and with New Jersey’s Governor having recently signed the ban into law, we are seeing a wave of prohibition that will have a major impact across the industry. Our role is to remain attentive, follow changes daily, and ensure we stay as compliant as we intend to be.
Every state also has its own technical standards, licensing requirements, tax structures, and approaches to product approval. For example, Pennsylvania applies the highest tax rate on operators in the country yet remains one of the most attractive among operators. It also has a deeply ingrained gaming culture and a large, active player base. Entering a state like Pennsylvania, which is a key target for RubyPlay in 2026, is not just about passing compliance checks but more about understanding the regulator’s expectations, the market’s economic realities and the cultural context of its players.
Fostering close relationships
One of the most important aspects of operating in the US is the strength of relationships with key stakeholders across the entire ecosystem. I have always believed that a strong relationship with the regulator is just as critical as meeting their requirements on paper. We work to ensure that regulators see us as partners who bring solutions, not problems. We communicate openly and demonstrate that we take their rules as seriously as they do. The same process applies to how we work alongside our industry partners. From platform providers or operator customer, we approach every partnership as a collaborative effort to succeed together.
Culture plays a vital role in how we approach regulation. Compliance is considered a technical discipline, but ultimately it is powered by people who care about getting processes and frameworks robust. I am proud to lead a team that is collaborative and solution-oriented. One of my proudest moments recently came during a recruitment process where I was speaking with a candidate for a role within our compliance team. She told me she had been following RubyPlay closely and was so impressed by our company culture, the pride we take in our work and the way we treat our people, that she was willing to relocate to another country just to join the team. It is a real story that speaks to the environment we have built.
Regulation in the US is not going to advance overnight. The state-by-state approach will remain and evolve, and new product categories will emerge that challenge existing frameworks. My perspective is that the companies who thrive will be the ones who embrace this complexity, invest in understanding it deeply, and treat compliance as a strategic asset rather than an operational hurdle.
The US Playbook we have developed is our way of making that happen. It is an ever-evolving strategy that keeps us compliant, competitive and ready for whatever comes next.
The post RubyPlay’s US Playbook – Turning compliance into a growth engine appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider with over 15 years of iGaming expertise, introduces its Gambling Regulation Directory, a new website section designed to help operators navigate the complex landscape of gambling laws worldwide.
The Gambling Regulation Directory provides a structured overview of the legal status of gambling across multiple countries, both land-based and online. With an interactive regulation table and map (coming soon), operators will gain a clear picture of where gambling is permitted, restricted, or prohibited, and evaluate the opportunities, risks, and compliance requirements for entering or expanding into specific markets.
The country profiles also highlight which activities are allowed or prohibited, outline available information on taxation, fees, and licensing terms, and outline key licence details such as duration and permitted activities. In addition, each profile indicates whether SOFTSWISS products are certified or aligned with local regulations, showing operators where SOFTSWISS solutions are ready for use, and underlining our experience and readiness to support them in these markets.
Practical Value for Industry Stakeholders
- Strategic Planning: A trusted reference point for evaluating opportunities and supporting informed decision-making.
- Efficiency: Centralised, up-to-date regulatory information saves time on research.
- Expert Oversight: SOFTSWISS specialists monitor developments to ensure the Directory reflects the latest licensing and legislative changes.
“At SOFTSWISS, we provide a trusted foundation for launching and growing iGaming brands. With the introduction of the Gambling Regulation Directory, we stay true to our goal of offering advanced solutions and empowering operators with the knowledge and insights they need to grow responsibly and sustainably in highly regulated markets. Building on this commitment, our certified software meets the requirements of multiple national regulators, enabling operators to confidently enter new markets with full compliance,” added Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS.
The iGaming Regulation Directory is an evolving resource. Not all country profiles are available yet, but the SOFTSWISS team is committed to updating the Directory regularly with new jurisdictions and the latest regulatory changes.
At SBC Lisbon 2025, Stand B160, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the new Gambling Regulation Directory and exchange views on industry trends with the SOFTSWISS Team.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Releases Gambling Regulation Directory for iGaming Operators appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
BETBY, a premium provider of innovative sportsbook solutions, will unveil a major update to its AI-powered sportsbook suite of tools, AI Labs, at the upcoming SBC Summit Lisbon 2025. The upgrade delivers enhancements across Betting Tips, Personalization, and Entertainment Feed, marking another step in BETBY’s mission to transform the sports betting experience through advanced AI.
The first major enhancement is to Betting Tips, BETBY’s tool that provides data-driven insights to help users make more informed decisions. Already covering multiple sports and esports in 25 languages, the feature now scales to 40,000 events per month, the widest coverage in the industry. Most importantly, BETBY is launching live betting tips, an industry-first that reacts to in-game data and updates recommendations in real time. This ensures players receive advice that reflects the actual match conditions, not outdated pre-match assumptions. Moreover, BETBY also shifted focus from traditional markets such as 1×2 to combined markets like “1×2 & Total”, which deliver both higher margins and stronger interaction when complemented with tips.
The second key update is the launch of the enhanced Personalization engine. Designed to tailor the betting journey to each player, the new model introduces real-time personalization that adapts instantly to bets as they are placed. By combining individual preferences with hourly, daily, and weekly trends, the system empowers operators with precise retention tools while giving players more relevant and engaging experiences.
The third enhancement is an evolution of the Entertainment Feed, BETBY’s AI-based feed for non-sporting events such as movies, series, games, TV shows, and breaking news. The feed has expanded beyond generating markets to actively monitor live developments, ensuring odds remain relevant and settlements are automated. Currently used as an alerting system for traders, this update paves the way for fully automated entertainment markets.
Additionally, BETBY’s AI-powered Risk Management system continues to demonstrate market-leading performance, now identifying the top 15% of high-risk players with 99.99% accuracy. This achievement highlights BETBY’s unique combination of speed, precision, and robust analytics in ensuring a secure and profitable operator ecosystem.
“With these upgrades, AI Labs enters an entirely new phase,” said Danil Emelyanov, Head of BETBY’s AI Labs. “We are not only increasing coverage and efficiency but also pioneering features such as live betting tips and automated entertainment markets. These innovations empower operators to engage players in ways no other supplier in the industry can match.”
The upgraded AI Labs features will be officially presented at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025, where BETBY will showcase how its AI-driven approach continues to set new benchmarks for personalization, engagement, and operator success. Attendees are invited to visit BETBY at stand C110 to experience first-hand the supplier’s comprehensive sportsbook solution and its latest innovations.
To find out more about BETBY, visit: https://betby.com/
The post BETBY TO PRESENT MAJOR AI LABS ENHANCEMENTS AT SBC SUMMIT LISBON appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
eSports7 days agoTEAM VITALITY AND HUMMEL LAUNCH ALTERNATE JERSEY AND EXCLUSIVE APPAREL COLLECTION
-
Central Europe6 days agoCT Interactive grows its certified game portfolio in the Slovak market
-
Asia6 days ago
Galaxy Entertainment Opens New Overseas Office in Singapore
-
Africa6 days ago
MulaSport launches Kiron’s data-lite Soccer Game across 5 countries in Africa
-
Industry Awards6 days ago
BETBY SUCCESSFULLY WRAPS SiGMA EUROMED 2025 PARTICIPATION WITH SPORTSBOOK RECOGNITION
-
American Gaming Association6 days ago
MDC Issues Commentary as U.S. Gambling Enters “Regulatory Reset” Following $148 Billion Wagered
-
Latest News6 days ago
Playson introduces new Twin Feature in regal release 3 Royal Coins: Hold and Win
-
Latest News6 days ago
Swintt put players’ safecracking skills to the test in Victorian Vaults
