PAGCOR Plans Smart Table Technology for Philippine Casinos

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is considering a plan to require smart gaming table technology across casinos and integrated resorts in the country, Inside Asian Gaming reported.

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The proposed policy is intended to strengthen the local casino industry’s regulatory system by giving authorities better visibility of transactions as they take place across gaming floors. However, the mandate is not expected to be released soon, with its implementation now likely to begin no earlier than the 2nd half of 2027.

Mandate May Start With IRs

The plan was originally expected to be introduced this year. However, sources told Inside Asian Gaming that PAGCOR may initially limit the requirement to large-scale integrated resorts.

Smaller casinos could be included at a later stage. The regulator is reportedly hesitant to require these properties to make a significant investment while casino revenues continue to face pressure from tourism headwinds and global economic conditions.

Smart table technology is designed to provide more accurate monitoring of bets and transactions. Its wider use would give PAGCOR greater access to information from gaming floors, supporting closer oversight of casino activity across the Philippines.

At present, only a small number of Philippine casino operators have adopted the technology. These include the 2 Solaire properties in Entertainment City and Quezon City, as well as Newport World Resorts.

Limited Adoption in the Philippines

The potential requirement would represent a major expansion of smart table technology in the country. Although some casinos have begun using these devices, the majority have not yet introduced them into their gaming rooms.

The device gives both the operators of the casinos and the regulatory authorities an opportunity to track the gaming activities more effectively. It also gives a better record of the wagers made during the live table games as compared to the existing means of monitoring.

However, requiring the systems would also involve considerable spending, particularly for smaller casinos. This financial concern appears to be one reason why PAGCOR may begin with integrated resorts before extending the policy to other properties.

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The gradual approach would allow the regulator to pursue greater oversight while giving smaller operators more time to prepare for the required investment.

Macau Policy Offers Comparison

PAGCOR’s possible policy would be similar to a recommendation made by the Macau government in 2024. At that time, Macau called on its 6 gaming concessionaires to adopt radio-frequency identification technology on their gaming floors.

The recommendation was partly connected to the government’s interest in calculating bets placed by foreign players. This followed an earlier announcement that concessionaires could receive a tax deduction of up to 5% on gross gaming revenue generated by foreign play.

The incentive was intended to encourage Macau’s casino operators to place greater attention on international markets. Since then, all 6 concessionaires have introduced comprehensive smart table systems capable of tracking every bet accurately.

Technology’s Expanding Role

In Macau, smart table technology has recently become connected not only to regulatory monitoring but also to casino operations. Its use has supported player loyalty programs and provided operators with greater flexibility in offering high-margin side bets.

For the Philippines, the timing and reach of any PAGCOR mandate remain uncertain. The regulator is expected to consider the financial impact on operators before determining how and when the requirement will be introduced.

Should the plan proceed, large integrated resorts would likely be the first properties affected, while smaller casinos could follow at a later date.

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Source: Inside Asian Gaming