Pagcor to Launch App Combating Illegal Online Gambling
The Philippine regulator Pagcor has announced a significant step towards enhancing player protection with a new mobile application. Expected before the end of 2026, the app will help users distinguish between licensed online casinos and unregulated platforms. This initiative addresses a major challenge in the Philippine gaming market, where chairman Alejandro H Tengco revealed that approximately 50% of online gaming sites operate without a proper license.
The app builds on the existing Pagcor Guarantee verification system. It aims to reduce illegal online gambling and steer players toward officially regulated operators. Pagcor is collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) to disrupt the operations and payment channels of these illegal sites.
In addition to verification, the app will provide players with a formal channel for dispute resolution with licensed operators. This move is part of a broader push by Tengco to strengthen the regulatory framework, which recently included implementing a new minimum guaranteed fee for operators.
Philippine Market in Focus: Bloomberry's New Strategy
Bloomberry Resorts is making strategic changes to its operations, focusing on both its land-based and online presence. Under the leadership of group president and COO Greg Hawkins, the company is doubling down on the online opportunity with the launch of FUNaloMAX, a mass-market platform built on in-house technology.
In-House Technology and Online Expansion
FUNaloMAX replaces the previous platform, MegaFUNalo, which faced technical issues using third-party technology. This shift to an in-house system is a significant focus, with the premium Solaire Online brand also scheduled to move to a proprietary platform this quarter. Hawkins emphasized that this technical stability is key to executing effective marketing and capturing the upside of the online market.
Solaire Entertainment City's Financial Turnaround
A primary focus for Hawkins has been righting the flagship Solaire Entertainment City, which faced a difficult 2025. The second quarter of this year showed a strong recovery, with GGR up 18% and property EBITDA rising 40%. Hawkins attributes this to a renewed focus on cost management and capital expenditure, alongside adapting to a post-POGO (Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators) environment that has changed market dynamics.
"The relevant margins in the business required a proper focus on cost management and capital expenditure management. So that’s been an area of focus... to ensure we’re fully engaged across our management teams on cost and margins as much as we are on top line and GGR growth." - Greg Hawkins, Bloomberry Group President and COO
Global Regulatory and Financial News Roundup
Several key developments have emerged across the global iGaming landscape, from regulatory clarifications in Malaysia to financial reports in Europe.
Malaysia Rejects New Gambling Permit Claims
The Malaysian finance ministry has publicly denied issuing any new gambling permits since the 1990s. This statement serves as a rebuttal to claims from Kedah Chief Minister Sanusi Nor. The government emphasized its commitment to a strict approach to limiting licensed gambling activities.
Ukraine Automates Military Gambling Ban
In Ukraine, the gambling regulator PlayCity is implementing an automated system to enforce the Ukraine gambling ban for military personnel. The system will use the government's 'Trembita' data exchange network to cross-reference players against the military personnel register. This initiative is part of PlayCity's broader effort to reduce gambling harm since it replaced the former authority, KRAIL.
Allwyn's Q2 Revenue Surges 27%
Allwyn reported a significant 27% year-on-year increase in net revenue for Q2, reaching €1.25 billion. The strong performance was largely driven by the company's acquisition of US DFS operator PrizePicks. The Allwyn Q2 results also showed a 29% rise in adjusted EBITDA to €458 million. The company's UK division also saw improved profitability following the completion of its National Lottery technology transformation.
Leadership Change at EGBA
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) announced that Maarten Haijer will step down as Secretary General after 13 years. Pierre Tournier, currently Senior Director at EGBA, will take over as interim Secretary General starting September 1.
Industry Innovations and Social Responsibility
The iGaming industry continues to evolve with new trends in development and a heightened focus on player protection.
GamCare Secures £16M Buffer for Levy Transition
UK charity GamCare has built a reserve of nearly £16 million to ensure the stability of its frontline services during the transition to the new GamCare statutory levy system. Its 2025/2026 annual report highlights the financial preparations made as the industry moves away from the previous voluntary funding model. The charity's performance received high marks from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
| GamCare 2025/26 Performance Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| National Helpline and Digital Contacts | 114,000+ |
| Onward Referrals to Treatment | 11,400+ |
| Treatment Clients | 2,811 |
| Positive Change Reported by Completers | 97% |
The Rise of Specialist Betting Developers
A growing trend sees major operators utilizing specialist development shops for product innovation. Entain's acquisition of Angstrom, which developed the free-to-play game 'Seven', exemplifies this model. These autonomous teams use their deep technical expertise to build new products outside of the core platform maintenance, offering a focused and agile approach to development.
