Checking PAGCOR Accreditation for Online Casinos in the Philippines
A comprehensive legal‑practical guide (July 2025)
1. Regulatory Landscape at a Glance
- Sole regulator: The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is a government‑owned and controlled corporation created under Presidential Decree 1869 (1983) and strengthened by Republic Act 9487 (2007). Both acts grant PAGCOR the dual role of operator of government‑owned casinos and regulator‑licensor of private gaming.
- Constitutional footing: Section 11, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution allows the State to franchise and regulate gambling for public welfare and to raise revenue.
- Online expansion: Beginning 2003‑2004 (e‑Games cafés) and accelerating in 2016 with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) regime, PAGCOR now licenses three broad online segments:
| Segment | Target Market | Examples of products |
|---|---|---|
| PIGO – Philippine Inland Gaming Operator (2020) | Filipino residents | Online versions of slots, table games, sports betting |
| POGO – Offshore | Non‑residents located outside PH | Live‑dealer casino, RNG casino, sports books |
| E‑Games/E‑Bingo/E‑Sabong | Mixed (varies) | Electronic bingo, e‑sabong (cockfighting), specialty games |
(Note: e‑Sabong was suspended by Executive directive in May 2022 but the legal framework remains.)
2. Legal Foundations of Accreditation
- P.D. 1869, as amended (PAGCOR Charter) – Grants PAGCOR exclusive authority “to operate, authorize and license” games of chance in person and by “other means of technology.”
- R.A. 10927 (2017) – Brings casinos (land‑based and online) under the Anti‑Money Laundering Act (AMLA); imposes KYC, reporting and record‑keeping rules.
- R.A. 11590 (22 Sept 2021) – Imposes a 5 % franchise tax on gross gaming revenue of offshore operators and a 25 % final withholding tax on non‑resident employees; mirrors the 5 % franchise tax already applicable to onshore casinos under the PAGCOR Charter.
- Data Privacy Act 2012 (R.A. 10173) – Requires gaming sites to protect player data and notify breaches.
- Cybercrime Prevention Act 2012 (R.A. 10175) – Used to prosecute unauthorized online gambling, phishing and match‑fixing.
3. Types of PAGCOR Online Licences & Key Thresholds
| Licence | Minimum Paid‑‑Up Capital | One‑Time Application Fee | Annual Licence Fee | Tech/Testing Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIGO | PHP 100 million | PHP 1 million | PHP 100 000 + 5 % GGR | Games & RNG certified by an independent lab (e.g., GLI, BMM) |
| POGO (Type 1 – Live Dealer) | USD 1 million* | USD 150 000 | USD 200 000 + 2 % GGR | Streaming studio in PH; two iGaming labs |
| POGO (Type 2 – RNG/e‑Casino) | USD 500 000* | USD 120 000 | USD 150 000 + 2 % GGR | RNG certificates; geofencing tech |
| Gaming Support Provider (GSP) | PHP 25 million | PHP 50 000 | PHP 100 000 | Platform, payment gateway, content |
*PAGCOR converts to PHP at BSP reference rate on payment date. Figures are drawn from the most recent Rules and Regulations for Offshore Gaming Licensees and Service Providers (rev. 2023) and PIGO regulatory framework circular (04 Dec 2020).
4. The Accreditation (Licensing) Process
Letter of Intent & Pre‑Assessment
- Applicant submits corporate profile, board resolution, business plan.
- PAGCOR conducts a “fit‑and‑proper” screening focusing on beneficial ownership, criminal/AML background, and financial capacity.
Documentary Submission
- Notarized application form.
- SEC‐issued Certificate of Incorporation (foreign entities must establish a Philippine branch/PEZA ecozone office).
- Audited financial statements (last 2 years).
- AMLA compliance manual.
- Technical system architecture diagrams.
Probity & Due Diligence
- Coordinated with the Anti‑Money Laundering Council, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police and sometimes Interpol.
- Directors and key officers submit fingerprint cards and NBI clearance.
Financial Commitments
- Posting of performance security (cash or surety bond) equal to 10 % of projected GGR for the first 6 months, or at least PHP 25 million.
- Payment of application and investigation fees (non‑refundable).
Technical Certification
- Sandbox testing with PAGCOR’s Information Technology Department.
- Independent laboratory certification for each game, RNG, and player account management (PAM) module.
- Geolocation and age‑verification systems must demonstrate the ability to block Philippine IPs (for POGO) or vice‑versa (for PIGO).
Letter of Accreditation & Provisional Certificate
- Issued after PAGCOR Board approval. Provisional certificate valid for six (6) months.
- Commercial launch allowed under PAGCOR monitoring.
Regular Certificate of Accreditation
- Granted upon satisfactory compliance during the provisional period; renewable annually subject to compliance audit and clearance of all regulatory dues.
5. Ongoing Regulatory & Compliance Obligations
| Compliance Area | Core Requirements |
|---|---|
| Responsible Gaming | 21+ age gate, self‑exclusion program linked to the National Database of Restricted Persons (NDRP), visible RG hotline numbers, session‑time and deposit limits. |
| AML/CFT | Real‑time KYC onboarding, screening versus UN/Philippine sanctions lists, STR/CTR filing within 5 & 10 working days, periodic AML audits. |
| Technical & Cybersecurity | Quarterly vulnerability scans, annual penetration testing, ISO/IEC 27001‑compliant ISMS, off‑site back‑up in the PH. |
| Game Fairness | RNG certification every 12 months, house‑edge disclosure, return‑to‑player (RTP) posted per game. |
| Tax & Fee Reporting | Monthly remittance of franchise tax and regulatory fee, sworn statement of GGR, employee tax compliance. |
| Advertising | Prior PAGCOR approval for digital or affiliate marketing; no targeting of minors or vulnerable groups. |
6. How to Verify a Site’s PAGCOR Accreditation
- Official list: PAGCOR publishes updated licensee rosters on www.pagcor.ph/regulatory. Players can cross‑check the company name, brand, and URL.
- Certificate & Seal: Legitimate sites display a scannable PAGCOR seal showing Accredited as of date and license number (e.g., POGO‑20‑001). Clicking the seal should link back to a PAGCOR validation page.
- Domain naming convention: Accredited PIGO domains typically carry “.ph” or “.com.ph” and match the name on the roster; POGOs must not end in “.ph” to avoid domestic traffic.
- WHOIS & IP location: Hosting outside prescribed jurisdictions may be a red flag (e.g., PIGO hosted abroad).
- Customer Support: PAGCOR‑licensed operators must provide a PH‑based help desk and local landline number.
- Verify expiry: All licences expire 31 March each year unless an interim approval letter extends validity.
7. Sanctions for Unlicensed Operations or Non‑Compliance
| Violation | Administrative Penalty | Criminal Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Operating without licence | Cease‑and‑desist, domain/IP blocking through NTC, forfeiture of bond, fine up to PHP 200 000/day | Up to 6 years imprisonment under P.D. 1602 (as amended) & R.A. 10175 |
| Money‑laundering breaches | Suspension of operations, AMLC administrative fines (up to PHP 30 million) | Prosecution under AMLA – up to 14 years imprisonment |
| Failure to pay franchise tax | Revocation/ non‑renewal of licence; surcharges & interest | Tax evasion under the NIRC; 6‑10 years prison |
PAGCOR collaborates with the Bureau of Immigration to blacklist errant foreign executives and with the Department of Labor for work‑permit cancellation.
8. Player Remedies & Dispute Resolution
Step 1 – Operator Help Desk: File a ticket or email.
Step 2 – PAGCOR Gaming Licensing and Development Department (GLDD):
- gamingconcerns@pagcor.ph or hotline (+632) 85259272.
- Submit screenshot evidence, transaction logs, and proof of identity.
- PAGCOR conducts mediation within 15 working days; decisions are binding on licensee.
Step 3 – Courts/Arbitration: A player may sue under the Civil Code or file estafa (fraud) if warranted.
9. Taxation Snapshot
| Tax/Fee | PIGO | POGO | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Tax | 5 % of GGR | 5 % of GGR | R.A. 11590 & P.D. 1869 |
| Regulatory Fee | 2 % of GGR | 2 % of GGR | PAGCOR circulars |
| Corporate Income Tax | 25 % (regular) | Exempt (franchise tax in lieu) | CREATE Act (R.A. 11534) |
| Employee Tax | 0‑35 % graduated | 25 % flat (foreign) | R.A. 11590 |
| LGU Fees | Mayor’s permit | PEZA/BPO zone fees | Local Gov’t Code |
10. Recent Policy Trends (2022–2025)
- POGO Scrutiny: Senate inquiries (Oct 2022–Mar 2023) into kidnapping and human trafficking led to enhanced due diligence and repatriation of 3 000+ foreign workers.
- E‑Sabong Ban: Executive Order No. 09‑2022 permanently halted e‑Sabong despite prior accreditation, citing social costs.
- Shift to Domestic Online Gaming: Pandemic lockdowns prompted PAGCOR to launch PIGO in late 2020; 8 licences issued as of July 2025.
- AML Evaluations: The Philippines narrowly avoided the FATF “grey list” in June 2024, but casinos remain high‑risk; further AML tightening expected in 2026.
- Digital Payments Regulation: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Memorandum M‑2024‑015 now requires real‑time reporting of e‑wallet gaming inflows exceeding PHP 100 000.
11. Practical Tips for Players
- Check twice: Validate the URL against PAGCOR’s list before depositing.
- Look for “HTTPS” and a Philippine Trustmark: Secure Sockets Layer plus Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) e‑commerce seal.
- Read the T&Cs: Make sure withdrawal limits and wagering requirements are clear; PAGCOR requires fairness but allows bonuses to have conditions.
- Keep records: Screenshot game results and transaction IDs; essential for dispute filings.
- Stay informed: Suspension notices are published on PAGCOR’s Facebook and X accounts—an early warning if your casino is under investigation.
12. Conclusion
PAGCOR accreditation is the litmus test of legitimacy for online casinos serving, or operating from, the Philippines. The accreditation process is document‑heavy and capital‑intensive, but it grants market access backed by clear rules on responsible gaming, AML, and consumer protection. Players can guard against fraud by learning how to verify a licence and by understanding the remedies PAGCOR provides. Operators, meanwhile, must treat compliance as a continual obligation—not a one‑time hurdle—given the fast‑evolving policy environment and increasing regional scrutiny.
(This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns, consult Philippine counsel or PAGCOR directly.)