PAGCOR Gaming Showroom Establishment: Accreditation Rules for Enrolled Suppliers

Only an enrolled supplier may apply to establish a gaming showroom in the Philippines. The process runs through PAGCOR's Gaming Licensing and Development Department (GLDD) using the Application/Renewal for the Establishment of Gaming Showroom (Form GLDD-1562). Before applying, the supplier must be enrolled with GLDD and accredited by an operator. The application requires complete documentary submissions, including local government unit (LGU) documents, and must respect the showroom distance restrictions under Regulation 7 of the Suppliers Regulatory Manual. Approval is never automatic: acceptability of the site does not guarantee approval, and the Supplier Showroom Permit is subject to the PAGCOR Board's approval.

Who may establish a gaming showroom

A showroom is the venue where an enrolled supplier may display its gaming equipment and gaming paraphernalia to prospective clients. Only enrolled suppliers may apply — Form GLDD-1562 is expressly for enrolled suppliers.

Enrollment comes first. Under Regulation 2 of the Suppliers Regulatory Manual, a supplier of approved gaming equipment and gaming paraphernalia must enroll with PAGCOR through GLDD before doing business with an operator of a gaming establishment in the Philippines. Upon enrollment, the supplier may apply for accreditation with the operator. The manner of that accreditation is left to the discretion of the licensee or operator, which is expected to conduct probity checks.

A supplier whose application is evaluated as unacceptable because it is not enrolled with GLDD cannot proceed. Non-payment of the non-refundable application fee is likewise a ground for finding the proposed venue unacceptable.

The step-by-step application path

1. Confirm enrollment and operator accreditation. Only suppliers who have undergone enrollment with GLDD and been accredited by the licensee or operator may supply gaming equipment and gaming paraphernalia.
2. Prepare the documentary requirements. Refer to Regulation 7, B-Showroom Guidelines of the Suppliers Regulatory Manual for the documentary requirements, distance restriction guidelines, distance measurement, and type of showroom location or area.
3. Secure LGU documents. Submission of LGU documents is required in the form. Secure and submit them as prescribed.
4. Accomplish Form GLDD-1562 completely. Type or print the needed information. All required information must be provided; otherwise, the application will be returned.
5. Attach the Secretary's Certificate stating the Board's Resolution designating the company's Authorized Representative who will transact with PAGCOR and sign documents.
6. Email clear scans of the duly accomplished form and the prescribed documentary requirements to gldd_suppliers@pagcor.ph.
7. Observe the cut-off. The cut-off for submission of applications is 4:00 P.M.
8. Wait for evaluation and approval. Once approved, GLDD informs the supplier and subsequently issues the Supplier Showroom Permit.

The submitted form is valid within fifteen (15) days from the date of GLDD's received advice, subject to the applicant's compliance with the submission of complete documentary requirements.

Documentary requirements for the showroom

The showroom requirements listed in Form GLDD-1562 are:

• Company profile
• Details and location sketch of the showroom venue
• Registration Certificate from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• Articles of Incorporation and by-laws approved by the SEC
• Latest General Information Sheet duly filed with SEC
• Mayor's Permit or relevant business permit for the location of the showroom
• Registration Certificate from the original location of the company office
• Proof of ownership or Contract of Lease for the proposed showroom
• List of products to be showcased
• Supporting document, if located within the Clark Special Economic Zone (as applicable)

Incomplete documents or non-compliance with the requirements will not be received by GLDD for processing.

Distance restrictions and showroom location

The application form requires compliance of the gaming showroom with showroom area requirements. It calls for a list of PAGCOR authorized casinos and VIP Clubs within a two (2) kilometer radius of the showroom location. A proposed venue may be found unacceptable for violation of the distance requirement.

The form also requires the applicant to check the type of gaming equipment and/or gaming paraphernalia for exhibit or demo — electronic gaming machines and/or component parts, electronic bingo machines and/or component parts, traditional bingo equipment and/or component parts, slot machines and/or component parts, electronic table games and/or component parts, and others.

What approval does and does not mean

Acceptability of the showroom in terms of distance and requirements is not a guarantee of approval. The grant of the Supplier Showroom Permit is subject to the PAGCOR Board's approval.

At the application stage, PAGCOR does not require any contractual agreement for the establishment of a gaming showroom. Only upon PAGCOR's written approval of the establishment of the gaming showroom may the supplier execute and submit such agreement and commence renovation of the venue. The supplier cannot hold PAGCOR liable for rental or construction expenses incurred.

The applicant also certifies that the gaming showroom complies with the LGU's requirements and regulations on putting up this type of establishment, and that PAGCOR will not be held liable for expenses arising from closure orders or penalties if the venue is found non-compliant with LGU regulation.

Misrepresentation or failure to reveal requested information may be deemed sufficient cause for disapproval or denial of the application, or revocation of the Supplier Showroom Permit if the application has already been approved when the misrepresentation or omission is discovered.

Frequently asked questions

Can any supplier apply for a PAGCOR gaming showroom?

No. Form GLDD-1562 is for enrolled suppliers only. A supplier must first enroll with PAGCOR through GLDD and be accredited by an operator before it may supply gaming equipment and gaming paraphernalia.

How far must a gaming showroom be from a casino?

The application requires a list of PAGCOR authorized casinos and VIP Clubs within a two (2) kilometer radius of the showroom location. A proposed venue may be rejected for violating the distance requirement.

Is the showroom automatically approved once the site is acceptable?

No. Acceptability of the showroom is not a guarantee of approval. The grant of the Supplier Showroom Permit is subject to the PAGCOR Board's approval.

Practical takeaways

• Enroll with GLDD and secure operator accreditation before applying for a gaming showroom.
• Use Form GLDD-1562 and refer to Regulation 7, B-Showroom Guidelines of the Suppliers Regulatory Manual for requirements and distance rules.
• Submit complete documents, including LGU documents and the Secretary's Certificate designating the Authorized Representative, to gldd_suppliers@pagcor.ph before the 4:00 P.M. cut-off.
• Do not sign a lease or begin renovation in reliance on site acceptability alone; wait for PAGCOR's written approval.
• Keep every declaration accurate — misrepresentation can lead to denial or revocation of the Supplier Showroom Permit.

Primary sources

The rules discussed above are drawn from the following PAGCOR issuances, embedded here in full for your reference.

Supplier Regulatory ManualOpen in Law LibraryDownload PDF

Application/renewal for the establishment of gaming showroom (For enrolled suppliers only)Open in Law LibraryDownload PDF

This article is general information and not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a lawyer or ask ASG Legal AI.