IAG Vice Chairman and CEO Andrew Scott, PAGCOR Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations Licensing & Regulatory Group Daniel C. Cecilio and PAGCOR President and COO Wilma T. Eisma during the 1st Asia-Pacific Regulators’ Forum on Thursday, September 11.
Regulators from across the Asia-Pacific region converged in Manila on Thursday, September 11, for the first-ever Asia-Pacific Regulators’ Forum, spotlighting the urgent need to adapt to the fast-changing digital gaming landscape.
In her keynote, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) President and COO Wilma Eisma emphasized that while gaming jurisdictions differ in size, maturity, and legal frameworks, they share similar challenges—cross-border transactions, rapid digitalization, and the delicate task of balancing economic gains with social responsibility.
“In the Philippines, electronic gaming has emerged as a major growth driver, and PAGCOR has responded with measures that uphold accountability, security, and consumer protection while allowing the industry to innovate responsibly,” Eisma said.
She noted, however, that digitalization, remote gaming, and emerging platforms are increasingly testing the limits of traditional regulatory models.
“By sharing best practices, harmonizing responsible standards, and keeping pace with innovation, we can ensure the region’s gaming industry grows not just in size, but in trust, resilience, and sustainability,” she added.
PAGCOR President and COO Wilma Eisma delivers her keynote message during the 1st Asia-Pacific Regulators’ Forum on September 11 at the Newport World Resorts.
Eisma cited PAGCOR’s ongoing reforms, including tighter advertising regulations, stronger financial safeguards, and the expansion of responsible gaming programs. Yet she acknowledged that the greater challenge lies in keeping pace with the lightning-fast evolution of online and remote gaming.
Looking ahead, she expressed hope that the Regulators’ Forum will become an annual platform for dialogue, with a larger and more comprehensive edition already being planned for 2026.
“I am confident this Regulators’ Forum will grow into a hub for knowledge, collaboration, and shared commitment,” Eisma said. “Together, let us set the tone for gaming regulation in Asia—one that is innovative, collaborative, and firmly rooted in integrity.”
Co-organized by PAGCOR and Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) and hosted by Newport World Resorts, the forum gathered regulators, operators, and stakeholders from across the region to tackle pressing issues such as player protection, financial integrity, and responsible industry growth in the digital era.