The Philippines used the global stage of ICE Barcelona 2026 to make a clear case for stronger, more decisive regulation as online gaming continues its rapid, borderless expansion.
Addressing regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco underscored that the true risk to the digital gaming ecosystem is not stricter oversight—but the unchecked presence of illegal and unregulated operators.
As digital platforms erase geographic boundaries and accelerate innovation, Tengco said traditional regulatory models are being pushed beyond their limits, exposing gaps that bad actors are quick to exploit. These unlicensed operators, he warned, erode public trust, distort competition, and undermine legitimate businesses that comply with the rules.
Drawing from recent Philippine experience, Tengco pointed to the government’s sweeping regulatory reset, highlighted by the full enforcement of the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations by the end of 2024. The move came after offshore gaming activities were linked to crimes such as fraud and money laundering, prompting authorities to act decisively to protect both the public and the integrity of the industry.
Beyond the ban, PAGCOR has rolled out wide-ranging reforms across the licensed online gaming sector, shifting toward a more player-centric regulatory framework. These include tighter know-your-customer and identity verification requirements, mandatory responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion and betting limits, and stricter controls on gambling advertising to shield minors and other vulnerable groups.
Financial safeguards have also been reinforced, with limits placed on certain payment channels and the introduction of a new minimum guaranteed fee for licensed online operators. According to Tengco, these measures are designed to promote transparency, ensure fair contributions to government revenues, and create a more accountable operating environment.
Regulation, he stressed, should not be about avoiding discomfort or slowing innovation. Instead, it should build systems that are resilient, credible, and worthy of public confidence—foundations that allow the industry to grow sustainably.
Tengco also highlighted PAGCOR’s ongoing effort to separate its regulatory and commercial functions, a reform aimed at strengthening independence and aligning the Philippines with international best practices. As the agency transitions toward a purely regulatory role, he said the focus will be on setting clear rules, enforcing them consistently, and fostering a gaming ecosystem that is fair, competitive, and durable.
While shaped by local realities, Tengco noted that the Philippine experience offers valuable lessons for other jurisdictions grappling with similar challenges in an increasingly borderless digital gaming landscape.
ICE Barcelona 2026, organized by Clarion Gaming and held at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, brings together global regulators, operators, technology providers, and policymakers to examine regulatory trends, market shifts, and the future direction of the international gaming industry.