PAGCOR's 2026 rules for online gaming, explained
KYC before any deposit, the end of 'browse first' access, advertising limits and the possible full ad ban, plus the B2B accreditation that game providers now need.
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Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2, 2025 | B2B Accreditation Framework for Gaming Affiliates and Support Service Providers takes effect. |
| December 31, 2025 | Early-filer deadline for three-year initial accreditation. |
| February 11, 2026 | KYC-before-deposit and tighter advertising rules announced. |
| March 31, 2026 | Deadline for foreign content/streaming providers to complete accreditation. |
PAGCOR · Status: in force
Draft. Circular numbers to be added.
KYC before any deposit
Previously a player could open an account and look around before verifying. Since February 2026 operators must collect your name, contact details, a valid government ID and a real-time photo of you holding it before accepting a deposit. In practice: expect a selfie step at sign-up, and expect to be asked again if your details change.
Advertising
Gambling ads are already prohibited during peak TV and radio hours. PAGCOR has said it is considering extending the prohibition to all hours and is drafting rules for social-media and digital promotion with the Ad Standards Council. If enacted, you will see far fewer promotions — and any you do see from a “licensed” operator outside the rules is a red flag.
The supplier side: B2B accreditation
From 2 October 2025, game aggregators, game content providers and support-service providers (including marketing and player-acquisition agencies) must be accredited by PAGCOR to work with licensed operators: SEC-registered corporations only, a ₱1,000,000 performance cash deposit, two-year terms. Unaccredited content must be removed from licensed platforms. For players this means the games on a licensed site are themselves vetted.
Sources
- PAGCOR tightens regulations on online gambling — Asia Gaming Brief (accessed October 10, 2026)
- PAGCOR toughens iGaming restrictions, considers full ad ban — NEXT.io (accessed October 10, 2026)
- PAGCOR Issues Rules on Accreditation of Gaming Affiliates and Support Providers under New Regime — Chambers and Partners (accessed October 10, 2026)