Regulators from across the Asia-Pacific region should adapt to the digital disruption of the gaming industry, officials said at a forum at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on Thursday.
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) president and chief operating officer Wilma Eisma said that while gaming jurisdictions in the region vary in size, they face common challenges such as cross-border transactions, rapid digitalization, and balancing economic benefits with social responsibility.
“In the Philippines, electronic gaming has become a significant growth driver, and PAGCOR has responded with initiatives that ensure accountability, security, and consumer protection while allowing the industry to thrive responsibly,” Eisma said.
She said the growth of digitalization and remote gaming is testing the limits of traditional oversight models.
PAGCOR has introduced reforms such as stricter advertising rules and expanded responsible gaming programs, but the greater challenge is keeping pace with the rapid evolution of online gaming, Eisma said.
She said she hopes the Regulators’ Forum will become an annual platform for dialogue, with a plan to expand the event in 2026.
