PAGCOR Eyes Smart Tables for Philippine Casinos and IRs
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is considering a requirement for casinos and integrated resorts to adopt smart gaming table technology, as the regulator looks to increase visibility over transactions taking place across casino floors.
According to reporting by Inside Asian Gaming on September 23, the proposed policy could eventually cover casinos nationwide. However, implementation is now understood to be unlikely before the second half of 2027, with large integrated resorts potentially forming the first phase of the rollout.
The proposal would represent a further technology-driven development in the Philippines’ casino regulatory framework, while giving operators additional time to prepare for the investment required to deploy smart-table systems.
PAGCOR smart tables plan could begin with large IRs
The reported timeline marks a shift from an earlier expectation that the smart-table requirement could be introduced during 2026.
Inside Asian Gaming reported that the policy may initially apply to larger integrated resorts, while smaller casinos could be brought into the framework at a later stage. The report cited industry sources who said PAGCOR is reluctant to impose significant technology costs on smaller operators while casino revenues remain under pressure from tourism-related headwinds and broader economic conditions.
At present, smart-table technology has been adopted by only a limited number of Philippine casino operators. The properties identified in the report include Solaire’s two Philippine properties and Newport World Resorts.
For operators that have yet to deploy the technology, a mandatory framework could therefore involve substantial investment in new table equipment, systems integration and related infrastructure.
Smart gaming tables could increase transaction visibility
Smart gaming tables use technology to capture and process information about activity occurring at gaming tables. For regulators, the potential value of the technology lies partly in providing greater visibility into transactions as they occur.
That potential regulatory benefit is consistent with PAGCOR’s broader emphasis on continuing to develop its regulatory framework.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said at the September 17 Regulators Forum that the agency’s regulatory framework must continue to evolve alongside changes in the gaming industry. He also said PAGCOR must assess its regulatory approach as conditions and experience change.
PAGCOR’s existing regulatory framework already establishes standards covering licensed land-based casinos, including requirements relating to game operations, licensing and enforcement. The regulator states that its objectives include maintaining an orderly regulatory environment, promoting fairness and integrity in gaming and preventing licensed gaming venues from being used for illegal activities.
The potential smart-table policy would add another layer of technology-supported oversight to that framework.
Philippine casino operators could face phased compliance
A phased implementation would give major integrated resorts an earlier compliance deadline while allowing smaller casinos additional time to prepare.
The distinction could be significant because smart-table deployment requires more than replacing conventional tables. Operators would need to assess the technology infrastructure, system integration, operational procedures and regulatory reporting requirements associated with the new systems.
The reported approach also indicates that PAGCOR is taking the cost implications for operators into account before imposing a broad requirement. According to Inside Asian Gaming, smaller casinos could be incorporated into the program at a later date.
For the industry, the eventual rules will therefore be important in determining the scope of the investment, implementation timetable and technical requirements.
Macau provides a regional comparison
The Philippines would not be the first Asian gaming jurisdiction to encourage widespread adoption of smart gaming tables.
Inside Asian Gaming reported that Macau authorities issued a similar recommendation to the city’s six casino concessionaires in 2024. The technology was initially linked to the government’s interest in accurately calculating bets made by foreign players and supporting measures aimed at increasing international business.
All six Macau concessionaires now have comprehensive smart-table systems, according to the report. The technology has also increasingly been used for purposes including player loyalty programs and greater flexibility around side bets.
The Philippine proposal would have a different regulatory context, but Macau’s experience provides a regional example of how smart-table systems can move from a regulatory technology initiative toward broader operational applications.
PAGCOR regulatory framework continues to evolve
The potential smart-table requirement comes as PAGCOR continues to review and modify its regulatory framework.
In his September 17 remarks, Tengco highlighted the need for the regulator to respond to changing industry conditions while maintaining public confidence in the integrity of licensed gaming. PAGCOR is also pursuing the planned separation of its regulatory and operating functions, a proposal that remains under government review.
The smart-table proposal would add another technology-focused component to this broader regulatory transition.
For now, however, the timing and final scope remain subject to PAGCOR's decision. The current reporting points to a possible rollout beginning with large integrated resorts from the second half of 2027, followed by smaller casinos at a later stage.
No nationwide mandatory smart-table requirement has been announced by PAGCOR at this stage.
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Sources
Inside Asian Gaming, “PAGCOR eyes mandatory smart tables for all Philippine casinos and IRs,” September 23, 2026.
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