The landscape of online gaming in the Philippines continues to evolve rapidly, with the recent approval of over 40 Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs) highlighting both growth and regulatory challenges in the sector.

As of June 13th, despite the approval of licenses for 44 PIGO operations, concerns linger over their actual commencement of activities. This comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny over offshore gaming operations (previously known as POGOs), which have faced criticism for legal and regulatory compliance issues.

The focus has shifted to the 10 authorized online and remote gaming platforms operated by major integrated resort and hotel casino operators, such as Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels and Travellers International Hotel Group. These platforms offer a variety of gaming options including live dealer games, slots, and virtual games aimed at Filipino customers.

Notably, among the licensed operators, Bingo Plus stands out as the sole non-casino entity, operated by AB Leisure Exponent and owned by Digiplus Corp. Its inclusion underscores a diversification strategy within the sector.

However, despite the authorization, a significant portion of the licensed providers, particularly in eCasino games and specialty offerings, have yet to launch commercial operations. According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)'s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department, 13 out of 34 licensed service providers are still to initiate their gaming services.

The expansion into the PIGO sector, introduced in late 2020, has seen PAGCOR navigate a delicate balance between fostering growth in domestic online gaming and addressing regulatory concerns. Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco has emphasized the sector's importance for revenue generation, leading to recent tax reductions aimed at incentivizing operators.

Looking ahead, PAGCOR is poised to implement further reductions in online gaming taxes, dropping from the current 35 percent to 30 percent by January 2025. This move is expected to spur additional interest and investment in the burgeoning online gaming market.

The evolution of PIGO operations reflects broader trends in the Philippine gaming industry, where regulatory oversight and market dynamics continue to shape the landscape for both operators and consumers alike. As the sector matures, stakeholders will be closely watching how these developments unfold amidst regulatory adjustments and market demands.