The Philippine Senate has recently conducted intensive inquiries into the ownership issues of both online and physical gaming platforms, demanding that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) submit a list of company names and actual beneficiaries of all licensed gaming platforms.
During the hearing, Pagcor responded that it would fully provide the committee with the required information, covering online gaming companies, physical casinos, and Integrated Resorts' equity and beneficiary details.
The submission of information will be divided into two categories: one is the physical casinos and Integrated Resorts with complex equity structures, involving multiple investors; the other is all licensed online gaming companies and their actual beneficiaries. Pagcor stated that whether online or offline, shareholder structure and beneficiary information will be transparent and open to provide references for Senate regulation and legislation.
Industry observers note that this move could have a profound impact on the Philippine gaming industry. In recent years, the rapid expansion of online gaming has attracted a large number of overseas players and capital flows, while regulatory pressure continues to increase. Pagcor's commitment to disclose ownership information is seen as an important signal of the government's efforts to strengthen regulation and curb illegal operations.
Some senators emphasized that past regulatory loopholes and lack of transparency allowed some operators to possibly evade the law, even leading to unclear capital flows. Fully grasping the identities of casino and online gaming beneficiaries will help prevent money laundering, tax evasion, and illegal gaming activities. Pagcor has promised to submit the information as soon as possible as requested by the committee, ensuring that industry regulation is no longer "invisible".
Industry experts believe that with the public disclosure of the beneficiary list, the Philippine gaming market will face a new round of transparency tests, while providing a fair competitive environment for legally compliant platforms. For players and the public, this means enjoying higher safety and legal protection when participating in gaming activities.
