PAGCOR Enforces New Minimum Fees for Online Gaming GSAs

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp, or PAGCOR, has confirmed that its minimum guaranteed fee regime for all accredited gaming system administrators took effect on July 1, 2026. The implementation followed 2 delays after the regulator initially planned to introduce the new fee structure on April 1.

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PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department informed GGRAsia by email that the minimum guaranteed fees had been imposed on all PAGCOR-accredited GSAs from July 1. The regulator also said it issued a memorandum dated June 30 to remind all GSAs about the monthly requirement.

Fees Set for the First Tranche

Under the first tranche of the regime, which will run from July 1 to December 31, GSAs offering electronic casino games must pay a monthly minimum fee of PHP9 million, or US$147,320, when their gross gaming revenue reaches at least PHP30 million for the month.

GSAs that do not offer electronic casino games will be required to pay a PHP3 million monthly minimum guaranteed fee if their GGR reaches at least PHP15 million during the same period. Pagcor said all GSAs must follow the applicable provisions governing the imposition of the fees.

The regulator also told GGRAsia that statements of accounts covering July would be issued to the relevant GSAs in early August. The billing is the first to follow the implementation of the updated regime, which had been delayed from its original schedule.

Higher Payments Set for 2027

The second tranche of the fee structure will begin on Jan. 1, 2027. From that date, GSAs with electronic casino games will be required to pay a PHP10.5 million monthly minimum when their GGR reaches at least PHP35 million for the month.

GSAs without electronic casino games will face a PHP4 million monthly minimum under the second tranche if their monthly GGR reaches at least PHP20 million. The different fee levels and revenue thresholds apply according to the type of gaming services offered by each GSA.

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PAGCOR first announced the framework in December. At the time, the agency said the measure was meant to address gaps in the existing fee structure and support fairness, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. It also said the monthly minimum was intended to ensure that GSAs contributed equitably to national revenue while encouraging active and transparent operations.

Implementation Faced Delays

The MGF regime was initially scheduled to start on April 1. In late March, PAGCOR announced that implementation would be deferred for 2 months, moving the planned start to June 1. The deadline was later postponed for another month before the new fees took effect on July 1.

The changes may also affect the shape of the online gaming market. In an April interview with GGRAsia, Brian Ng, president of technology services provider PhilWeb Corp, said the regime could encourage consolidation. He said this could ultimately benefit established and compliant operators.

GSA Numbers Decline

Ng also said the adjustments would likely have a limited impact on overall industry volumes because a relatively small number of providers account for most of the sector’s GGR. At the time, he estimated that around 15 to 20 of the 65 active GSAs were contributing 80% of total GGR.

PAGCOR’s most recent list showed that the number of GSAs had declined to 60 as of July 30. The regulator’s fee regime is now in effect, with the next increase scheduled for Jan. 1, 2027.

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Source: GGR Asia