SiGMA Asia 2026 opened its first day of conference at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, the Philippines, with a focused discussion on one of the country’s most closely watched industry shifts: the future of gaming after the shutdown of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
The panel, called After POGOs: Rebuilding the Philippine Gaming Equation, featured Keith McDonnell from KMI Group as moderator, with Evan Spytma of Casino Plus, Peter Williams of Continent 8 Technologies, and Harmen Brenninkmeijer of NYCE International. They discussed how the Philippines can keep its gaming market fair, win back investors, and set up clear rules for growth after the POGO model ended.
McDonnell started the discussion by asking the panel what has changed since the POGO era. Brenninkmeijer said POGOs used local infrastructure, offices, and workers but focused on markets outside the Philippines. He added that problems with paperwork, immigration, and crime eventually pushed PAGCOR and the government to end the POGO model.
Spytma talked about the broader economic impact, noting that a shutdown caused a clear drop in real estate, office demand, and related businesses. He believes PAGCOR handled the transition well, and the new Philippine Inland Gaming Operator model is starting to fill the gap.
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The panel agreed the Philippines still has key strengths, like skilled workers, gaming experience, and its location near other Asian markets. But they also said investors need more certainty before they will commit large amounts of money.
“The difficulty is that capital follows certainty and predictability,” Williams said. He added that the Philippines could support the gaming industry by offering services like CRM, accounting, administration, hosting, and cybersecurity, even if betting and player funds are not part of it.
Brenninkmeijer agreed, saying the Philippines could become a major support center for global gaming companies if the rules are clear and consistent. He said the special class BPO idea could work, but only if the rules are practical for both big and small operators.
The panel also talked about regulation, taxes, and public policy. Spytma said PAGCOR has made progress by lowering tax pressure and encouraging operators and suppliers to join regulated systems. However, he pointed out that foreign investors want clear laws, not just policies that can change with each administration.
Spytma explained that the restrictions on GCash and Maya were issued by the BSP and the Senate, not PAGCOR. He said super apps could protect players by using SIM registration, banking checks, operator KYC, and limits on deposits and bets. “I truly believe GCash and Maya represent what the future of gaming will look like,” he said.
At the end of the session, McDonnell summed up by saying the Philippines still has a strong chance to grow, both at home and as a gateway to other regulated Asian gaming markets. The main question is whether regulation, government, and industry can work together.
Readers and delegates can check the full SiGMA Asia 2026 program to see all the panels, keynote sessions, and networking events at the summit. The agenda gives a detailed look at the talks shaping gaming, regulation, investment, and technology in Asia.
