The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is focusing on December 2026 for the launch of a cell software that may assist gamers establish licensed on-line gaming platforms and keep away from unlawful playing web sites.
The regulator’s Board of Directors authorized the challenge on October 8, together with a proposed partnership with Development Bank of the Philippines Data Center, Inc. (DCI), which can develop and preserve the appliance.
PAGCOR confirmed the timetable on October 19, following earlier bulletins indicating that the platform would grow to be out there earlier than the tip of the 12 months.
Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco mentioned the initiative would give shoppers larger entry to details about regulated operators.
“This platform will give players a reliable way to verify which online gaming platforms are licensed by PAGCOR. We want the public to make informed choices and avoid falling prey to illegal operators,” Mr. Tengco said in a press release.
DCI Partnership Includes Technical and Security Assessments
Under the proposed settlement, DCI will deal with the appliance’s growth and internet hosting, alongside ongoing upkeep and technical help, without charge to PAGCOR.
The partnership will initially run for 5 years, with an choice for renewal via mutual written settlement.
Before full-scale implementation, DCI should display a proof of idea for the appliance’s minimal viable product.
PAGCOR will conduct a six-month evaluation protecting the platform’s performance and system structure, with specific consideration to cybersecurity safeguards and operational feasibility.
The regulator could terminate the association if DCI fails to handle recognized deficiencies inside an inexpensive interval.
The settlement should adjust to Philippine privateness and data safety necessities, together with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
Data-sharing preparations and associated safety obligations will likely be integrated into the partnership phrases or established via a separate settlement.
These provisions will information the platform’s growth as PAGCOR prepares to introduce the verification service to cell customers.
App Builds on Existing Licensing Verification System
The deliberate software follows the introduction of the PAGCOR Guarantee web site in 2025, which permits customers to test whether or not on-line gaming suppliers maintain legitimate licences.
The cell service will supply one other means for gamers to entry that info, supporting the regulator’s efforts to differentiate authorised playing companies from unlicensed operators.
Tengco beforehand outlined the initiative throughout an August 24 listening to of the House Committee on Appropriations, when he indicated that the appliance would launch earlier than the tip of 2026.
During the listening to, he additionally estimated that roughly half of online gambling websites accessed in the Philippines operated illegally.
PAGCOR supplied additional details about its plans at September’s IAG EXPO in Manila, figuring out the fourth quarter because the meant launch interval.
The initiative additionally follows restrictions launched by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in August 2025, requiring digital pockets suppliers to take away direct hyperlinks to on-line playing platforms.
The central financial institution launched the measure to strengthen shopper safety, though considerations subsequently emerged about its potential impact on the visibility of licensed operators.
The verification software is meant to assist gamers establish professional suppliers independently of fee companies.
Government Agencies Coordinate Against Illegal Gambling
PAGCOR can be working with different Philippine authorities to strengthen enforcement towards unauthorised on-line gaming operations.
The regulator is coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission to handle unlawful playing web sites.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center can be collaborating in these efforts.
The cooperation kinds a part of broader measures to restrict entry to unlicensed playing companies and strengthen regulatory oversight of the nation’s on-line gaming sector.
Meanwhile, the forthcoming software will give shoppers a devoted useful resource for checking whether or not gaming platforms function below PAGCOR authorisation.
The December launch stays topic to the challenge’s implementation necessities, together with the technical evaluation and completion of the proposed partnership preparations.
PAGCOR has but to offer additional particulars concerning the software’s closing options or affirm an actual public launch date.
