PAGCOR Remote Gaming Platform Regulatory Framework: What Operators Must Know

The Revised Regulatory Framework for the Remote Gaming Platform governs all online gaming and wagering platforms for domestic remote gaming operations in the Philippines. Only PAGCOR-contracted or accredited Service Providers may develop and maintain a remote gaming platform (RGP) on behalf of partner licensed Operators. The RGP must have prior written approval from PAGCOR before implementation, may not accept bets from outside the Philippines, and must not be accessible in any way outside the country. Each Service Provider is allowed only one RGP, and the platform must remain an adjunct to its land-based gaming operations.

Who may operate a remote gaming platform

The framework draws a clear line between two roles. Service Providers build and run the platform; Operators hold the gaming licenses and own the player relationship. Only PAGCOR-contracted and/or accredited Service Providers are allowed to develop and maintain an online remote gaming or betting platform on behalf of partner licensed Operators.

The RGP may not be offered independently. It must be an adjunct facility or service provided to the Service Provider's land-based gaming site operators or licensees. Only one remote gaming platform is allowed per Service Provider, though a website may use multiple URLs provided there is prior disclosure to and approval by PAGCOR.

Documentary requirements for approval

A proponent Service Provider must submit all relevant documentation to the E-Games/E-Bingo Licensing Department (EGLD). At minimum, these include:

• A duly filled-out New System, Game and/or Machine Request and Approval Form (GS Form No. 9), if applicable;
• A notarized written disclosure identifying the designated RGP and certifying that it is the only one operating as such;
• Complete platform documentation covering main functions, web design and contents, account funding and withdrawal protocols, progressive jackpot features, accounting and reporting processes, and other salient details.

Two certifications from an independent gaming laboratory are also required: one confirming that all data are captured, accounted, and reported by the system and that the game is fair, secure, auditable, and correctly operated; and one attesting to internet protocol (IP) blocking for all IP addresses except Philippine IP addresses. Both certifications may be submitted initially as applications, but must be completed within three months from commencement of live commercial operations.

Player registration and account rules

Only registered players of PAGCOR-licensed gaming sites may use the RGP. Registration may be done onsite or remotely. The platform must collect mandatory player information including full name, place and date of birth, current and permanent address, nationality, nature of work, contact information, source of income, and one valid government-issued ID.

Only persons 21 years of age and above who are not among the banned personalities under Memorandum Circular No. 6, series of 2016, of the Office of the President may register. Prospective players must declare and confirm their age and that they are not government officials or employees connected with the operation of the Government, including members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

A Know Your Customer (KYC) process is required for all players, both existing and new. A full KYC and identification verification must be conducted prior to the player's first withdrawal or cash-out transaction request, or within seven days from registration or sign-up, whichever comes first. PAGCOR's National Database of Restricted Persons (NDRP) must be used as a tool from which listed persons shall not be registered.

Only one remote gaming platform account is allowed per player per platform, and each account is tagged to the player's designated gaming site.

Operational standards and financial requirements

The framework sets minimum operational standards. Newly registered players must post an initial deposit of PhP1,000.00, with subsequent deposits or top-ups of at least PhP500.00. Account funding and withdrawal must use AMLC-compliant channels, such as over-the-counter and online banking, payment/e-wallet systems, and other legitimate money transfer services accredited, approved, or registered with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Fund sharing or "pasaload" between players is strictly prohibited.

Account log-in verification must ensure only the registered player uses the account, through at least one of the following: video calling prior to log-in; biometrics verification such as facial verification, iris scanning, or fingerprint scanning; OTP verification; or a security question.

Service Providers must provide a player management portal for each partner-Operator, with player registration, player management, fund management, and operations management functionalities. The RGP must also be integrated with PAGCOR's third-party audit platform.

All Service Providers maintaining a PAGCOR-approved RGP must comply with the PhP50 Million cash bond requirement. Operators and Service Providers must likewise comply with Anti-Money Laundering Council rules as supervised by the PAGCOR Anti-Money Laundering Supervision and Enforcement Department (PASED).

Testing, approval, and penalties

The PAGCOR Evaluation Team — composed of representatives from EGLD, the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Department (CMED), and the Information Technology Department (ITD) — conducts actual testing and a walkthrough of the platform's process from player registration to report generation. Only upon consolidated satisfactory results does EGLD issue a Notice to Commence remote gaming platform operations.

Any deviation from submitted certifications, breach or circumvention of the framework, or violation of any PAGCOR issuance or Philippine law is ground for suspension of the platform, and any resulting loss is solely shouldered by the Service Provider. Violations are subject to the penalties and fines in the PAGCOR Table of Penalties for the Remote Gaming Platform.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Service Provider operate more than one remote gaming platform? No. Only one remote gaming platform is allowed for each Service Provider, although a website may use multiple URLs with prior disclosure to and approval by PAGCOR.

Can the platform accept players from outside the Philippines? No. The RGP shall not accept bets emanating outside the Philippines and shall not be accessible in any way whatsoever outside the country.

What is the minimum age to register on a remote gaming platform? Only persons twenty-one (21) years of age and above, and not among the banned personalities under Memorandum Circular No. 6, series of 2016, may register and avail of RGP services.

Practical takeaways

• Only PAGCOR-contracted or accredited Service Providers may build and maintain an RGP, and only as an adjunct to land-based operations.
• Prior written PAGCOR approval is required before implementation, and only PAGCOR-approved games and markets may be deployed.
• Independent gaming laboratory certifications on system integrity and IP blocking must be completed within three months from live commercial operations.
• A PhP50 Million cash bond and AMLC compliance are mandatory for continued operation.
• Violations may lead to suspension and penalties under the PAGCOR Table of Penalties.

Primary sources

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

Revised Regulatory Framework for the Remote Gaming PlatformOpen in Law LibraryDownload PDF

Regulatory Framework For The Remote Gaming Platform Of Traditional BingoOpen 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.