Philippines SCBPO model still matters for iGaming, says Paul Fox
“The Philippines is the best place to do this work.” At SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila, Claymore Solutions founder and chairman Paul Fox argues that the Philippines should be the top hub for SCBPO operations in iGaming. According to Fox, this model is important because it allows gaming companies to set up support teams in the country without getting involved in gambling activities. SCBPO (Special Class Business Process Outsourcing) has become a crucial term in the Philippines’ post-POGO landscape. POGOs were banned, but SCBPOs provide a different framework for companies that support licensed gaming operators abroad. This difference is significant, and Fox believes the industry still needs it.
What SCBPO means
PAGCOR defines SCBPOs as service providers that assist licensed gaming operators abroad. The model focuses on product marketing and customer support, and at least 90% of the workforce must be Filipino. As Fox explains, “It’s about providing good jobs for Filipinos with reputable, internationally licensed companies.”
Under the PAGCOR framework, SCBPOs can offer services such as call centers, complaint hotlines, player registration, VIP support, rewards, promotions, and fraud detection. This separation is crucial, since SCBPOs do not take bets or manage gaming funds, keeping them out of direct gaming operations. In practice, they act more like a specialized BPO division for the global gaming sector.
Why the Philippines stands out
Fox stated that the Philippines is the best location in Asia for this type of work because it has the necessary infrastructure, experience, and workforce to support it. He claimed there is no real competitor in the region for SCBPO services, particularly regarding legal clarity. “The Philippines is the best place to do this work,” he said. This combination is essential for operators aiming to reduce costs while staying compliant, this combination is essential. It is also why the country has become a long-term hub for gaming support roles rather than a temporary outsourcing choice.
SCBPO vs POGO
One key point of the interview was the distinction between SCBPOs and POGOs. Fox emphasized that SCBPOs should not be mistaken for offshore gaming operators, as they do not accept bets or process payments. Their purpose is to support legitimate gaming companies licensed elsewhere. “We don’t take bets, we don’t process any payments,” Fox said. “The only thing we do is the back office work.” This distinction has become increasingly important since the government decided to shut down POGOs and tighten regulations.
Why the model still matters
Fox explained that the SCBPO model remains relevant because it provides a legal and practical way for international gaming companies to operate in the Philippines. In his own words “SCBPO is the future.” It allows the country to retain high-value jobs while staying within a regulated environment. He noted that the Philippine model gives clarity for listed companies and operators that must prove compliance to investors and regulators. In his view, this makes SCBPOs more than just an outsourcing option; they are integral to the future of regulated gaming support in Asia.
Wider regional outlook
Fox also connected the Philippine experience to the broader Asian market. He suggested that countries like Thailand and Vietnam could use the Philippines as a reference point if they seek to create regulated frameworks for online gaming and related support services. “The Philippines is the only country in the region that actually legislates and regulates for domestic online gaming,” he said. Fox added that PAGCOR has demonstrated foresight by developing a system that allows the industry to operate legally while incorporating player protection and responsible gaming. For now, the Philippines remains the standard. If Fox is correct, SCBPOs will continue to be a key topic as more Asian markets consider regulation, outsourcing, and the structure of their gaming ecosystems.
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