Industry Updates

PAGCOR is considering mandatory smart gaming tables across Philippine casinos and integrated resorts as part of efforts to strengthen transaction visibility and regulatory oversight. The proposed rollout could begin in the second half of 2027, with large integrated resorts potentially covered first and smaller casinos added later. The plan highlights the growing role of technology in the Philippines’ evolving casino regulatory framework.

Brazil’s planned online casino ban could significantly reshape the country’s regulated gambling market. The proposed executive order would reportedly prohibit online casino operations while allowing sports betting to continue. The move could affect 188 licensed operators, government tax revenues and sports sponsorships, while industry groups warn of potential compensation claims. The final scope and legal treatment of existing licences remain uncertain.

The Philippines is moving to strengthen digital payment regulation after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas identified thousands of merchant accounts allegedly linked to illegal activities, including online casino betting disguised as legitimate businesses. Proposed measures would require payment providers to conduct stronger merchant checks, verify ownership and licences, and improve monitoring as regulators target payment channels used by unlicensed gambling operators.

A House of Lords committee has recommended a comprehensive UK gambling advertising ban, calling for tighter controls on sports sponsorship, digital marketing, direct marketing, affiliates and influencer promotions. The recommendation could significantly reshape how licensed gambling operators reach consumers, although it does not change UK law. The report also examines concerns over gambling harm, economic impacts and the potential effects on the illegal market.

PAGCOR regulatory reforms take center stage at the 2026 IAG Academy Summit in Manila as Chairman Alejandro Tengco outlines the agency’s continuing transformation. His keynote comes as PAGCOR advances plans to separate its regulatory and commercial functions, while the Philippine gaming market undergoes rapid changes driven by electronic gaming, technology, player protection and growing regional competition.

Thailand gold transaction tax plans could give authorities a new tool for tracking illicit financial flows, including money linked to illegal gambling. The proposed 0.01% charge is being considered as Thailand strengthens oversight of gold transactions and financial networks. For the iGaming sector, the move highlights a broader regulatory focus on tracing gambling proceeds beyond operators and payment accounts into assets that may be harder to monitor.

The ACT gambling reforms will introduce sweeping changes to poker-machine regulation in Canberra, including mandatory cashless gaming, player loss limits and compulsory breaks in play. The Australian Capital Territory government also plans to reduce gaming-machine numbers to 1,000 by 2045, restrict cash withdrawals at venues and cut operating hours. The measures could reshape the business model for community clubs and gaming operators across the territory.

PhilWeb Corp. and JKS Tech Solutions Inc. have entered into a series of transactions that will see PhilWeb and its wholly owned subsidiary invest a combined ₱4.23 billion (approximately US$67.4 million) in JKS, while JKS acquires a 4.85% stake in the listed Philippine gaming technology company. The deal gives PhilWeb a substantial investment in a business-to-business technology and digital infrastructure provider serving licensed operators in the country's digital entertainme