Authorities have introduced a two-month transition period beginning May 31. During this period, contracted suppliers that have already submitted accreditation applications may continue existing operations and provide services to Gaming System Administrators (GSAs) as usual.

PAGCOR’s online gaming licensing and regulatory division issued a memorandum stating that companies failing to meet accreditation requirements by July 31 will have their digital gaming systems, online platforms, gaming applications, and related equipment suspended starting August 1.

The memorandum, dated May 21, 2026, is understood to address ongoing industry concerns regarding regulatory timelines and implementation procedures. Previous deadline extensions had created uncertainty surrounding application schedules, transition rules, and enforcement consequences.

The document was distributed to all gaming system operators, integrated resort license holders, gaming partners, service providers, and related applicants to clarify operational requirements.

Industry legal and compliance experts noted that both suppliers and operators had raised significant concerns regarding the accreditation process.

B2B suppliers were primarily concerned about whether services could continue during the application review period, while operators were concerned about possible penalties linked to cooperation with non-accredited partners. The memorandum formally clarified both issues.

The document outlined four mandatory accreditation conditions that must be completed before the deadline:

- payment of non-refundable application fees

- submission of qualification and compliance documentation

- successful completion of facility inspections, digital gaming system testing, and platform evaluations

- payment of the required performance guarantee deposits

Industry observers noted that the updated framework also rewards companies that prepared early for compliance requirements.

Several major technology and compliance service providers reportedly submitted applications ahead of schedule, allowing them to secure clearer transition arrangements under the new framework.

Over the past two weeks, the number of B2B suppliers initiating accreditation applications has increased significantly, reflecting growing industry attention toward compliance requirements.

In addition to suppliers proactively adapting to the updated framework, operators have also strengthened internal compliance standards. Gaming system operators have begun conducting stricter reviews of partner accreditation status, with some companies reportedly requiring compliance verification before entering new cooperation agreements.

Market sentiment has shifted considerably compared to six months ago.

The memorandum also clarified that even suppliers submitting applications on time may still face suspension if they ultimately fail to meet required compliance standards.

Industry experts further emphasized that PAGCOR’s framework applies compliance obligations across both upstream and downstream business relationships.

Operators cooperating with non-compliant B2B suppliers may also face regulatory consequences.

As a result, operators are increasingly verifying the accreditation status of suppliers, while the development of a dual-layer compliance structure is expected to reshape future business cooperation models across the Philippine online gaming sector.

Last year, PAGCOR introduced a broader regulatory framework featuring multiple stricter oversight measures while also establishing clearer operational pathways for compliant businesses.

These measures include minimum guarantee payment requirements for licensed operators to improve revenue reporting transparency, accreditation standards for data transmission providers managing local live dealer content distribution to overseas licensed platforms, and limits on player rebate programs aimed at maintaining fair market competition.