PAGCOR Prepares Mandate for Smart Gaming Tables Across All Philippine Casinos and Integrated Resorts

Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR is looking to mandate smart gaming table technology at all casinos and integrated resorts nationwide. The move aims to further enhance the local casino industry’s regulatory framework by providing greater visibility of transactions as they happen across the gaming floor.

According to reporting by Inside Asian Gaming, any such mandate, originally planned for this year, is now unlikely to be issued until at least the second half of 2027. It will likely be limited initially to large-scale integrated resorts, with smaller casinos brought into the scheme at a later date. PAGCOR is reluctant to demand substantial investment at a time when casino revenues have been challenged by tourism headwinds and global economic conditions.

Limited Current Use of Smart Tables

At present, only a handful of casino operators in the Philippines have deployed the technology. These include the two Solaire properties in Entertainment City and Quezon City, and Newport World Resorts.

Parallels with Macau’s 2024 Recommendation

The Philippine policy would mirror a similar recommendation issued by the Macau government in 2024 to the city’s six gaming concessionaires regarding smart table deployment. The initial motivation was to calculate bets placed by foreign players, following a government announcement that concessionaires could receive a tax deduction of up to 5% on gross gaming revenues generated by foreign play.

All six Macau concessionaires now operate comprehensive smart table systems. However, the focus has in recent times centered on the technology’s ability to enhance player loyalty schemes as well as greater flexibility to offer high margin side bets. Side bets now contribute close to 50% of Macau baccarat revenues.

The delayed and phased Philippine timeline directly acknowledges prevailing revenue pressures while still advancing toward improved regulatory visibility on the gaming floor.

Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming

Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.