Online Poker License PAGCOR Philippines: How to Get Licensed in 2026

PAGCOR licenses online poker through two separate frameworks, and the correct one depends on who the operator may serve. The Implementing Rules and Guidelines for the Licensing of Online Poker Operators and its Platforms (effective March 23, 2023) governs online poker operators serving the domestic market. The Regulatory Framework for Remote Play Poker (effective August 3, 2023) governs operators catering exclusively to foreign players located outside Philippine territory. Only PAGCOR-approved online poker platforms of a PAGCOR-licensed operator, or platforms accredited with a poker gaming site operator, may legally operate in the Philippines.

Which PAGCOR online poker license applies to you

The two frameworks are not interchangeable.

Online Poker Operator (OPO) license. The IRG defines an online poker operator as the operator of an online poker platform — the virtual venue where players play player-to-player poker games, whether web-based or accessed through a mobile application. The platform may be directly operated by the OPO or run in partnership with poker gaming site operators.

Remote Play Poker license. The Remote Play Poker framework regulates poker operations conducted within a casino or PAGCOR-authorized location through remote gaming platforms, catering exclusively to foreign players outside Philippine territory. It is a business-to-consumer (B2C) license and covers Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and other variations, including cash games, tournaments, and bad beat jackpot formats.

If the intended market includes players in the Philippines, the OPO route applies. If the market is strictly offshore, Remote Play Poker is the correct framework.

Eligibility: who may apply for a PAGCOR online poker license

For an OPO license, only corporations duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission may apply, and the primary purpose stated in the Articles of Incorporation must be "gaming" or "engaged in operating poker games." The corporation must show ₱50 million in authorized capital stock and ₱12.5 million in paid-up capital. The applicant must pass PAGCOR's standard probity check for gaming operator suitability through an accredited third-party probity checker, and may maintain only one website for its operations, which must be registered with PAGCOR.

For a Remote Play Poker license, the applicant must be SEC-registered, of good repute, of good financial standing with a satisfactory corporate structure, and not disqualified from gaming under any law or issuance. The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws must show casino gaming as a primary purpose; if it is only secondary, a board resolution ratifying the same must be submitted. Capital requirements are ₱100 million authorized capital stock and ₱25 million paid-up capital stock. Under Executive Order No. 65 (the Eleventh Regular Foreign Investment Negative List), foreign equity in gambling ventures is limited to 40%, except those covered by investment agreements with PAGCOR.

Step-by-step: applying for an OPO license

1. Submit a letter of intent addressed to the Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR.
2. File the Online Poker Operator Registration Form with the company requirements: company profile, location sketch of the office, SEC registration certificate, Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, latest General Information Sheet, Personal Disclosure Statement, and audited financial statement.
3. Pay the application fee. Under the IRG, the fee is ₱1,000,000.00 and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
4. Submit to inspection. PAGCOR representatives inspect the company office to verify the legitimacy of the business and operations.
5. Pass the probity check and comply with all documentary and system requirements.

Step-by-step: applying for a Remote Play Poker license

1. Submit a letter of intent to the Chairman and CEO, plus the notarized application form (OGLD Form No. 1635) and the documentary checklist — SEC registration, Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, latest GIS with beneficial ownership declaration, company profile, organizational chart, business plan and projections, board resolution appointing the authorized representative, Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Plan, Personal Disclosure Sheets, probity checker evaluation, BIR Certificate of Registration, and Mayor's Permit.
2. Secure the operating site requirements. The operating site may only be within PAGCOR-approved poker clubs, PAGCOR-operated casinos, licensed casinos with a junket agreement, or Integrated Resorts, with the host's consent. The number of remote play poker tables may not exceed 25% of the allowed tables or machines for land-based casino operations. A Letter of No Objection or Resolution of No Objection from the local government unit is required unless a city or municipal ordinance provides otherwise.
3. Wait for the initial evaluation and Deposit Notice. The Offshore Gaming Licensing Department evaluates the business model, then issues a Deposit Notice and Payment Form. The application kit must be completed and submitted within three months of issuance; incomplete or late submissions are deemed withdrawn and fees are forfeited.
4. Post the performance bond within 30 days of Board approval — equivalent to six months' Minimum Guaranteed Fee or six months' fees for existing tables, whichever is higher.
5. Complete pre-operational requirements, including the independent testing laboratory certification covering GLI-19 Chapters 2 and 4, IP blocking certification for all Philippine IP addresses except one designated by PAGCOR, onsite back-office access, AMLC Certificate of Registration, manpower list, responsible gaming program, and the pre-operational inspection.
6. Receive the Notice to Commence Operations once all financial requirements are settled.

The Remote Play Poker license is valid for three years initially and renewable for another three years. It is site-specific, non-transferable unless approved by the Board, and remains a mere privilege rather than a contract or vested right.

Platform standards both frameworks require

Both regimes impose strict technical and player-protection standards. Under the OPO IRG, the platform must be certified by an independent gaming laboratory confirming that all data are captured, accounted, and reported, and that the game is fair, secure, auditable, and correctly operated. The platform may not be accessible outside the Philippines or accept bets originating outside the country, verified through IP blocking certification. Player data and gaming session records must be retained for five years.

Player registration requires Know-Your-Customer verification, and only persons 21 years of age and above may register. A player may hold only one account per platform. Account funding and withdrawal must run through AMLC-compliant channels, and only payment solutions accredited by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas are considered legitimate.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the PAGCOR online poker application fee? Under the IRG for Online Poker Operators, the application fee is ₱1,000,000.00, and it is non-refundable and non-transferable. Remote Play Poker applicants pay the applicable fees only upon issuance of a Deposit Notice and Payment Form by the OGLD.

Can foreigners own an online poker business in the Philippines? Foreign equity in gambling ventures is generally limited to 40% under Executive Order No. 65, except for those covered by investment agreements with PAGCOR. The corporate vehicle must still be registered with the SEC.

How long is a PAGCOR online poker license valid? The Remote Play Poker license is valid for three years on initial issuance and renewable for another three years. Renewal requires a letter of intent submitted at least one month before expiration, no outstanding financial obligations, and payment of renewal fees.

Practical takeaways

• Determine first whether the target market is domestic or exclusively foreign — that choice decides whether the OPO IRG or the Remote Play Poker framework applies.
• Both routes require an SEC-registered corporation with "gaming" as a primary purpose and substantial paid-up capital: ₱12.5 million for an OPO, ₱25 million for Remote Play Poker.
• Budget for the ₱1,000,000.00 OPO application fee and, for Remote Play Poker, a performance bond equal to six months' Minimum Guaranteed Fee.
• Expect independent laboratory certification, IP blocking, KYC systems, and AMLC registration before any Notice to Commence Operations issues.
• The license is a privilege, not a property right, and may be amended, suspended, or cancelled in accordance with PAGCOR regulations.

Primary sources

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

IRG for the Licensing of Online Poker Operations and its PlatformsOpen in Law LibraryDownload PDF

Regulatory Framework for Remote Play PokerOpen in Law LibraryDownload PDF

Regulatory Manual for Poker Operations - Application and Operation GuidelinesOpen in Law LibraryDownload PDF

Remote Play Poker License Requirements (New Application)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.