GLI Eyes Philippines Growth as PAGCOR Adds Online Controls

Gaming Laboratories International has expanded its Philippines focus after PAGCOR introduced new controls for the country’s domestic online gaming sector. GLI became the first company accredited by PAGCOR as an Independent Testing Laboratory. Managing Director Asia-Pacific Richard Howarth said the approval covers all test areas but has a strong iGaming focus.

PAGCOR’s recent measures include a new framework for B2B suppliers that requires full accreditation. The regulator also introduced a Minimum Guaranteed Fee for licensed operators and caps on cash rebate and cashback offers.

For GLI, the new framework creates more demand for test lab services, certification and regulatory support. Howarth said regulated markets give the company more certification work and help regulators direct tax revenue, improve safer gambling controls and strengthen anti-money laundering enforcement.

“Our business is to operate and help markets regulate, so we’re all for regulated markets,” Howarth said.

GLI also advises PAGCOR on iGaming standards. Howarth said the work starts with informal regulatory discussions, with formal training to follow later.

Cybersecurity has become another focus area for GLI in Asia-Pacific. Its GLI Secure service covers data security audits, governance and operational resilience. Howarth cited recent attacks on gaming companies as a warning for operators and suppliers.

He said gaming companies need to know how to protect data, respond to breaches and keep operations active during any cyber incident.

TGJ Take

PAGCOR’s supplier accreditation push turns compliance into a market access issue. Suppliers that want Philippines exposure now need to treat testing and accreditation as commercial priorities, not admin work. For operators, the bigger message is that PAGCOR wants tighter control over the full online chain, from supplier approvals to player offers, fees and data security. GLI gains from that shift because regulated markets need approved labs before products can reach players.