TITLE: Philippines' PAGCOR Extends Minimum Guaranteed Fee Implementation for Gaming System Administrators
BODY:
On May 21, 2026, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced an extension to the implementation of the Minimum Guaranteed Fee (MGF) for Gaming System Administrators (GSAs). PAGCOR's Board of Directors approved deferring the MGF implementation until June 30, 2026, providing GSAs additional time to stabilize operations and recover from sustained market contraction while aligning with prescribed financial thresholds.
The amended MGF schedule establishes two tranches. The first tranche, effective July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, sets minimum gross gaming revenues (GGR) and corresponding MGF amounts differentiated by GSA category. GSAs with electronic casino games must achieve minimum monthly GGR of PHP30,000,000 with an MGF of PHP9,000,000, while GSAs without electronic casino games require minimum monthly GGR of PHP15,000,000 with an MGF of PHP3,000,000. The second tranche, effective January 1, 2027 onwards, increases these thresholds: GSAs with electronic casino games must achieve minimum monthly GGR of PHP35,000,000 with an MGF of PHP10,500,000, while GSAs without electronic casino games require minimum monthly GGR of PHP20,000,000 with an MGF of PHP4,000,000.
PAGCOR's extension balances regulatory objectives with the operational viability of licensed operators. Gaming System Administrators, gaming affiliates, support service providers, and all applicants and concerned entities must comply with the amended schedule. The memorandum was issued by PAGCOR's Officer-in-Charge and applies to all entities operating under PAGCOR's Electronic Gaming Licensing Department.