IAG EXPO 2026 Opens in Manila as CiG iDEA Summit Highlights Philippines iGaming Market
Manila, Philippines - September 14, 2026 : The 2026 IAG EXPO is now underway at Newport World Resorts in Manila, with the newly launched CiG iDEA Summit putting the Philippines' regulated online gaming sector in focus as industry leaders discuss the future of iGaming across Asia-Pacific.
Organized by Complete iGaming (CiG), the one-day business summit brings together executives and representatives from gaming operators, technology suppliers, regulators, investors and other industry groups. Discussions are centered on the regulatory changes, commercial opportunities and technological developments shaping online gaming markets throughout the region.
The CiG iDEA Summit serves as the opening day of the broader IAG EXPO, which takes place from September 14 through 17 at Newport World Resorts. The program continues with the IAG Academy Summit on September 15 and 16 before concluding with the IAG and PAGCOR Regulators Forum on September 17.
Philippines takes the spotlight at CiG iDEA Summit 2026
A major focus of the new summit is the Philippines and the changes taking place within its regulated online gaming market.
The event's opening keynote is being delivered by Jessa Mariz R. Fernandez, Assistant Vice President of Remote Operations at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Fernandez will also join a later discussion addressing the future sustainability of the country's regulated online gaming sector.
Several sessions are devoted to questions that matter to companies considering entering or expanding within the Philippine market.
The panel “How to Enter the Philippines? Why to Enter the Philippines?” examines the country's regulatory environment and the factors businesses need to consider before entering the market. Participants include Arden Consult Founder and CEO Tonet Quiogue and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) Managing Director – APAC Richard Howarth.
Market localization is another major topic for businesses already operating in or targeting the Philippines.
During “Localizing for Success in the Philippines,” PhilWeb President Brian Ng, Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma and DigiPlus Chief Global Growth Officer Erick Su will discuss how gaming businesses can tailor their products, customer strategies and market approaches to Filipino players.
Regulation and long-term industry development
The summit's agenda extends beyond market entry to the question of how regulated online gaming can develop sustainably.
The “Future-Proofing the Industry” discussion features PAGCOR's Fernandez alongside NYCE Founder and Executive Chairman Harmen Brenninkmeijer, with CiG CEO Andrew W Scott serving as moderator. The session looks at the industry's longer-term direction and the challenge of combining continued commercial development with a stable and sustainable regulatory environment.
The focus reflects wider conversations taking place across Asia-Pacific iGaming, where regulatory certainty, market stability and responsible growth have become increasingly important considerations.
When CiG announced the iDEA Summit earlier this year, the organization positioned the event as a forum for assessing recent regulatory and policy developments and their potential impact on operators, suppliers, investors and regulators. The event was also announced amid notable changes in the Philippine gaming market and continued regulatory development across other Asian jurisdictions.
Philippine gaming businesses consider online growth strategies
Another part of the summit examines the different ways established gaming companies can develop their online operations.
The session “Outsourcing or Going It Alone: What's the Right Model?” explores whether integrated resort operators should build online gaming capabilities themselves or work with specialist partners.
The panel includes Syntrii Founder and CEO Laurent Fresnel, Newport World Resorts Vice President of Online Gaming Operations Mark Gilbert and GameWorkz Founder and Chairman Shaun McCamley.
The issue is particularly relevant as land-based gaming businesses explore digital expansion and assess the resources, technology and expertise required to operate online.
For the Philippine market, the growth of online gaming also has wider implications for the business-to-business ecosystem. Demand can extend across areas such as gaming technology, regulatory compliance, payment solutions, customer management, content and other supporting services.
Discussions expand across Asia-Pacific
While the Philippines receives significant attention throughout the summit, the event also addresses the broader Asia-Pacific gaming landscape.
The “The Rest of Asia” session considers the progress of regulated iGaming markets outside the Philippines and examines potential opportunities for companies looking toward future regional expansion.
The panel features Addisons Senior Foreign Lawyer Samuel Gauci, Entain Australia & New Zealand Director – Industry & External Affairs Andrew Hannan and MediaPro Vice President – Sales Danny Too.
Another session turns to Special Class BPOs, which form a distinctive part of the Philippines' regulated online gaming ecosystem. Representatives from Conexus Group, Sumsub and Evoke are expected to discuss these businesses, including their regulatory environment and role within the wider gaming industry infrastructure.
IAG EXPO runs until September 17
The CiG iDEA Summit marks the beginning of the educational program at the 2026 IAG EXPO.
The IAG Academy Summit follows on September 15 and 16, with the event concluding on September 17 through the invitation-only IAG and PAGCOR Regulators Forum. The forum is designed to bring together gaming regulators from across Asia-Pacific with selected industry representatives for discussions around regulation and compliance.
The opening day's schedule also features Manila After Dark, providing an opportunity for attendees to network following the CiG iDEA Summit.
For the Philippine online gaming industry, the event arrives at a significant point in its development. Questions surrounding regulation, market access, localization and sustainable growth are increasingly relevant to international businesses evaluating opportunities in the country and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
The introduction of the CiG iDEA Summit consequently provides more than another industry gathering in Manila. Its agenda highlights the Philippines' growing importance within the regional online gaming landscape while giving industry stakeholders a platform to examine how regulation and market development could influence the sector's next stage.
Source Attribution
This article was independently reported and structured by Asia Casino News based on information published by Inside Asian Gaming and the official IAG EXPO website. The original source reports that the CiG iDEA Summit opened on September 14, 2026, at Newport World Resorts and details its speakers, sessions and focus on the Philippine and wider Asia-Pacific iGaming markets.
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