Why has PAGCOR delayed minimum guaranteed fee action?

Summary

PAGCOR has pushed back the roll-out of its monthly minimum guaranteed fee (MGF) for licensed online operators by two months. The regulator cited current economic conditions and will run a comprehensive review of industry circumstances before proceeding. The first tranche moves from 1 April 2026 to 1 June 2026, and the second tranche from 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2027. Fees vary depending on whether operators supply online casino titles and on gross gaming revenue (GGR) thresholds.

Key Points

PAGCOR delayed the MGF implementation by two months, citing the current economic crisis.
First tranche dates: 1 April 2026 → 1 June 2026; second tranche: 1 October 2026 → 1 January 2027.
MGF levels (first tranche): Php 9m/month for online-casino suppliers with monthly GGR ≥ Php 30m; Php 3m/month for non-casino suppliers with monthly GGR ≥ Php 15m.
MGF levels (second tranche): Php 10.5m/month for online-casino suppliers with monthly GGR ≥ Php 35m; Php 4m/month for non-casino suppliers with monthly GGR ≥ Php 20m.
Operators offering online casino titles without declaring to PAGCOR face administrative penalties, including possible suspension or cancellation of accreditation.
PAGCOR will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to see if further adjustments are needed for long-term sector sustainability.
Separately, PAGCOR signed a data-sharing memorandum with the Department of Justice and accredited GLI as the first testing and game-certification provider under its new framework.

Content Summary

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a memorandum deferring the start dates for its new monthly minimum guaranteed fee for licensed online gaming suppliers. The delay addresses immediate economic pressures and gives PAGCOR time to assess industry conditions before full implementation. The MGF imposes significant monthly payments once operators meet specified GGR thresholds, with higher fees for those supplying online casino games.

In parallel, PAGCOR has stepped up regulatory measures: it agreed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Justice to share restricted-person data and has accredited Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) to test and certify iGaming platforms operating in the Philippines. PAGCOR’s CEO emphasised supplier accreditation to protect players, while the DOJ framed the data-sharing as strengthening enforcement and accountability.

Context and Relevance

This is a notable development for operators, platform suppliers and B2B vendors in the Philippines. The MGF represents a material new cost and a compliance hurdle; the delay eases immediate timing pressure but not the underlying change. The wider context — tighter regulatory cooperation with the DOJ and formal accreditation of testing providers like GLI — signals a move to more stringent oversight and enforcement. Expect operators to reassess commercial models, contract terms with suppliers and compliance workflows in response.

Why should I read this?

Short version: if you operate in or supply the Philippine iGaming market, this directly affects your costs, timelines and compliance risk — and PAGCOR isn’t backing down on tougher oversight. We’ve trimmed the noise: the rollout’s delayed, the fees are real, and enforcement and supplier accreditation are being ramped up. Read the details if you need to plan budgets, update contracts or check accreditation status.