How to Claim a PAGCOR Performance Cash Deposit Refund: Requirements

A gaming operator or accredited service provider that has ceased operations may recover its Performance Cash Deposit (PCD) by filing a PCD refund application with PAGCOR's Electronic Gaming Licensing Department (EGLD). The application uses EG Form No. 40, also called Form No. EGLD-691, titled "Application for the Refund of Performance Cash Deposit (PCD)." Processing begins only once all correct documentary requirements are submitted. The applicant must submit the original signed form with supporting documents to the EGLD. The specific checklist depends on the applicant's classification — Gaming Venue Operator, Gaming System Administrator, Game Aggregator, Support Service Provider, or Game Content Provider.

What the Performance Cash Deposit is

Under the Gaming Site Regulatory Manual (Bingo Games), the Performance Cash Deposit is the monetary requirement paid by the Operator in advance as PAGCOR's measure of security against the Operator's non-compliance with its financial obligations relative to gaming site operation and penalties which may be imposed by PAGCOR.

Because the deposit serves as security, PAGCOR releases it only after the operator winds down its gaming operations and settles its obligations. The refund process is therefore tied to decommissioning: removing gaming equipment and digital assets, taking down PAGCOR signage and collaterals, and attesting that stakeholders have been paid.

Step 1: Confirm your applicant classification

EG Form No. 40 lists the classifications that may apply for a PCD refund:

• Gaming Venue Operator
• Gaming System Administrator
• Game Aggregator
• Game Content Provider
• Support Service Provider
• Payment Gateway Solution / Payment Channel
• Game Affiliate
• Marketing/Promotional Service
• Customer Service
• KYC / Player Membership System
• Independent Game Testing Laboratory

The documentary checklist in the form is grouped into three sets: C-1 for Gaming Venue Operators, C-2 for Gaming System Administrators, Game Aggregators, and Support Service Providers, and C-3 for Game Content Providers. Identifying the correct classification determines which documents must be submitted.

Step 2: Prepare the common documentary requirements

All three checklists require the following core documents:

1. A notarized Board Resolution signed by the majority of the Board of Directors signifying the request for refund of PCD and the assignment or appointment of the authorized representative to transact and sign the documents.
2. The original copy of the corresponding PCD Official Receipt (O.R.) issued by PAGCOR. If the PCD O.R. is not available, an Affidavit of Loss and a Board Resolution attesting to the same must be submitted.
3. A copy of the latest General Information Sheet (GIS) and Beneficial Ownership Declaration form duly acknowledged by the SEC.
4. A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation.
5. Other documents specific to the requesting applicant, if any.

Step 3: Submit the classification-specific requirements

For Gaming Venue Operators (C-1), the additional requirements include the Closing Inventory List of Gaming Equipment and Paraphernalia Form (EG Form 37); the Transfer of Gaming Equipment Notification Form (EG Form No. 13); a notarized Notice of Removal of all related digital assets from all gaming terminals; a notarized Notice of Removal of PAGCOR signages, stickers, and marketing collaterals; a notarized sworn affidavit that arrears with the applicant's stakeholders of the gaming venue (rent, utilities, suppliers, salaries of employees) have been paid; and the original copy of the Gaming License.

For Gaming System Administrators, Game Aggregators, and Support Service Providers (C-2), the additional requirements include a notarized sworn affidavit covering service decommissioning notices to contracted PAGCOR-accredited entities, removal of PAGCOR-related collaterals, removal of gaming-related digital assets and full deactivation of the EGS/OGP or service system, and payment of stakeholder arrears (not applicable to Payment Channels). For Gaming System Administrators, the affidavit must also state that deactivation of the EGS/OGP does not diminish liability for unsettled player funds arising from operations during the accreditation period. Also required are a Release, Waiver and Quitclaim and the original copy of the Certificate/s of Accreditation.

For Game Content Providers (C-3), the additional requirements include EG Form 37; EG Form No. 13; a notarized sworn affidavit on service decommissioning, removal of PAGCOR collaterals and accreditation/PTH certificates, removal of gaming-related digital assets and full deactivation of the service system, and payment of stakeholder arrears; a Release, Waiver, and Quitclaim; and the original copy of the Certificate/s of Accreditation or Permit To Hold Gaming Equipment and Gaming Paraphernalia, as applicable.

Step 4: File with the EGLD and await evaluation

Print EG Form No. 40, complete all mandatory fields accurately, and submit the original copy with the supporting documentation to the EGLD. Incomplete submissions may be returned and will not be processed.

For queries, applicants may call 8522-0299, 8522-1357, 8522-1245, or 8522-1324 loc. 1569, or email eGaming_Forms1@pagcor.ph.

Once received and verified for completeness, the application undergoes initial evaluation. The results of the evaluation will be communicated to the applicant through the registered email address within two to three working days. An application received for processing is assigned a reference number.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if the PCD official receipt is lost? Instead of the original PCD O.R., submit an Affidavit of Loss and a Board Resolution attesting to the loss, together with the rest of the documentary requirements.

How long does PAGCOR take to evaluate a PCD refund application? After the application is received and verified for completeness, the results of the initial evaluation are communicated to the applicant through the registered email address within two to three working days.

What if the application is incomplete? Incomplete information or non-compliance with the complete documentary requirements may cause the application to be returned or not processed. Processing of the PCD refund commences only once all correct documentary requirements have been submitted.

Practical takeaways

• Use EG Form No. 40 (Form No. EGLD-691) and file the original with the EGLD.
• Match your documentary checklist to your classification: C-1 for Gaming Venue Operators, C-2 for Gaming System Administrators, Game Aggregators, and Support Service Providers, and C-3 for Game Content Providers.
• Secure a notarized Board Resolution, the original PCD O.R. (or Affidavit of Loss plus Board Resolution), the latest GIS and Beneficial Ownership Declaration, and the Certificate of Incorporation.
• Complete the decommissioning documents — removal of digital assets, PAGCOR signage and collaterals, and settlement of stakeholder arrears — before filing.
• Expect evaluation results through your registered email within two to three working days of a complete submission.

Primary sources

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

Gaming Site Regulatory Manual ver. 3.0 ( Bingo Games)Open in Law LibraryDownload PDF

1.32 APPLICATION FOR THE REFUND OF PERFORMANCE CASH DEPOSIT (PCD)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.