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PAGCOR STRENGTHENS REGULATORY CONTROLS TO MAKE THE PHILIPPINES A PRIME GAMING DESTINATION
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco discussed the agency’s plans and programs to make the Philippines a leading gaming destination in the ASEAN region.
Chairman Tengco was invited to deliver the Keynote Address on the third day of the G2E Asian IR Summit in Macau on July 13, 2023. In his speech, the PAGCOR chief expressed optimism that with the gaming regulatory reforms which the agency is undertaking, the Philippine gaming industry will be more responsive to the needs of the changing times while addressing the social ills that come with gaming operations.
The Philippine gaming industry started to bounce back as it gradually transitioned into the new normal. Following its mandate to regulate and uphold the integrity of gaming operations in the Philippines, PAGCOR generated P58.96 billion in 2022, an impressive 66.16% year-on-year increase from its P35.48 billion total income in 2021. Net income last year reached P4.45 billion, a 2,000% leap from P203.57 million recorded in 2021.
This achievement enabled the agency to fulfill its other role as the government’s partner in generating revenues for socio-civic programs by increasing its contributions to nation-building from P22.91 billion in 2021 to P34.67 billion in 2022.
In view of PAGCOR’s dual role as operator and regulator, its operations have been the subject of scrutiny by key decision makers and major gaming industry players.
Thus, since its assumption a year ago, the new PAGCOR Board of Directors has started strengthening the agency’s regulatory function and has promoted the privatization of PAGCOR-run Casino Filipino facilities. Such move will allow the corporation to grow and compete in both domestic and international markets through the infusion of new capital and advanced technologies which can facilitate expansions, upgrades and innovations.
“By focusing on its regulatory functions, PAGCOR will be able to avoid the complexities of running two different shows. It can also streamline its processes and create more revenues that will fund more high impact government projects,” Tengco said.
Before PAGCOR gaming venues are privatized, however, they will be upgraded to add value to the properties. Programs include the modernization of Information and Communication Technology and Cybersecurity infrastructure, including its Casino Management System and introduction of the Casino Filipino Online; upgrading of more than 3,000 electronic gaming machines (EGMs); and the updating of PAGCOR Technical Standards for EGMs.
To combat the proliferation of illegal gambling in the country, PAGCOR continuously coordinates with various law enforcement agencies. It has instituted reforms to address the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations which have been recently associated with crime, money laundering and corruption. It has canceled the contract entered by the previous Board with the third-party auditor for offshore gaming operations and has introduced new fees and imposed heavy fines and penalties to Licensees and Service Providers found to be engaged in criminal activities. Furthermore, accreditations were suspended and canceled and Licensees were held responsible for the conduct of their Service Providers.
Despite these, gross gaming revenue of online gaming operations is projected to reach P24 billion by the end of this year, more than double last year’s P11 billion.
Tengco stated, “We shall undertake this painstaking process to weed out the unscrupulous companies and individuals using the PAGCOR license for illegal activities, tainting the name of the whole industry and most especially the Philippines.”
PAGCOR has likewise accredited Gaming System Service Providers for Traditional Bingo, Electronic Bingo, Electronic (eCasino) Games, Sports Betting and E-Billiards. Its licensed casinos were recently allowed to use remote gaming platforms for their live casino games that cater to their registered casino players.
Currently, PAGCOR is studying the possibility of regulating other facets of the overseas gaming operations, or the possible regulation of a special class of Business Process Outsourcing.
Through closed borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, PAGCOR has evolved and continues to adapt to the changing times by licensing new gaming options within its jurisdiction and properly regulating them.
“I know much still needs to be done, but I believe that we are on the right track towards making the Philippines a prime gaming destination in the ASEAN region,” Tengco concluded.

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Soft2Bet releases TopBet.ro in Romania with a motorsport‑inspired identity tailored to local fans
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Soft2Bet has launched TopBet.ro, a new Romanian sportsbook designed to cater to local habits and preferences. Built with a clear focus on motorsport and match-day culture, the brand combines competitive odds and fast mobile journeys with an auto-themed identity that resonates with local fans.
From launch, TopBet.ro has been tuned to the way Romanians follow sport. Football and motorsport are front and centre, with timely markets, match-day boosts and content that reflects supporters’ weekly rituals. Romania’s proximity to major European circuits and easy short-haul travel make it a natural home for motorsport fans, and TopBet.ro responds with creative campaigns, themed missions and seasonal offers built around grand prix weekends. The same care is evident throughout the interface: clear navigation, quick bet placement, and a clean, mobile-first design.
Yoel Zuckerberg, Chief Product Officer at Soft2Bet, said: “With TopBet.ro, we set out to create a brand that feels Romanian from the first tap, then added MEGA missions and challenges that turn derby days and grand prix weekends into journeys people return to. What we prove on our own brands becomes the toolkit we offer partners, combining culturally tuned products with measurable engagement and the ability to scale with minimal integration effort.”
Brand representative from TopBet.ro commented: “TopBet.ro is designed for Romanian fans who want more from every match. Together with Soft2Bet, we built a platform that connects sport, competition, and rewards in a way that feels natural and exciting. Our goal is to give every player the chance to experience the game like a champion.”
Alongside sports, TopBet.ro offers a comprehensive casino lobby for quick breaks or a change of pace, featuring popular slots, live dealer tables, and sports-themed titles, all delivered in a mobile-first format with clear navigation and quick load times. The experience is powered by Soft2Bet’s performance-first platform, which delivers speed, stability, and smooth gameplay, along with responsible play tools tailored to local requirements. A key part of this is MEGA (Motivational Engineering Gaming Application), the engagement engine that turns play into progress through missions, challenges and quests that unlock rewards and keep sessions fresh.
The approach has already proved successful in Romania, where seasonal quests and local events are firm favourites among players. By turning everyday actions into clear milestones and rewards, MEGA lifts session depth and repeat visits, helping first-time players become long-term customers.
The post Soft2Bet releases TopBet.ro in Romania with a motorsport‑inspired identity tailored to local fans appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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ELA Games Casts Its Latest Spell with Witches’ Book
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ELA Games beckons players to step into a shadowy realm of sorcery and mystery with its newest release: Witches’ Book
Bathe in the magic as a powerful coven of three witches conjures their spells across the reels, revealing mysterious rewards and surprises. Each spin is a step toward ultimate strength, where massive riches and bubbling magic await.
The Power of the Book
In the Witches’ Book, magic shimmers in every spin. Players aim to collect enchanted pages and experience the power of each witch’s most mythical spells.
Once players gather enough enchanted pages, they complete the spellbook and choose their witch and symbol to unlock the magical Free Spins. As the witches’ power grows, every symbol has the chance to transform into a Jackpot, turning ordinary spins into powerful, enriching moments.
A medium volatility level and 94.9% RTP ensure that wins are frequent even on the base game. Additionally, multiple surprise features can arise and spread across the 5×3 reel format, making each spin a potion of excitement.
ELA Games’ Magical Touch
Witches’ Book is an enchanting embodiment of ELA Games’ philosophy regarding creative innovation and a focus on engaging gaming experiences. The games’ animations, sound design, and dynamic mechanics blend to create an atmospheric game that will have players a part of the incantation.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the release, “With Witches’ Book, our goal was to create a title that emphasises the visually-rich aesthetics that embody the atmosphere of the brooding festive season. Every feature and design element was meticulously crafted to keep players engaged and deliver value for our partners. Witches’ Book is an example of our development approach: leverage creativity to entertain players while driving meaningful performance results for operators.”
Discover Enchanting Riches Now
Players can dive into the mysterious world of magic and spells today, with powerful gameplay and immersive experiences.
Finish your incantation and cast a powerful, lucrative spell today.
The post ELA Games Casts Its Latest Spell with Witches’ Book appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Hits the Portuguese Fast Lane with Tiago Pereira of LeBull.pt
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Lisbon’s streets set the pace for Season 2 of GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives — the drive-time podcast where iGaming’s most interesting voices speak freely, in motion. Hosted by Yevhen Krazhan, Chief Sales Officer at GR8 Tech, each episode captures raw insight, candid stories, and the kind of energy you can only find on the road.
Episode 2 puts the spotlight on Tiago Pereira, Head of Portugal at LeBull.pt, the executive who helped turn a logo and a bull into one of the fastest-growing brands in Portugal’s regulated iGaming market. With more than 20 years in sports betting, affiliates, and casino operations at Placard.pt, Betano.pt, bet.pt, and Sportingbet, Tiago has led market entries, compliance frameworks, sponsorships, and full-funnel digital growth.
During the ride, Tiago opens up about:
- How he found his path and his journey from architecture and computer science to marketing.
- The history of LeBull.
- Portugal vs. Brazil: same language, different mindset: why copy-paste doesn’t work and true localization is key.
- The idea behind the LeBull Night Show, a weekly late-night comedy event.
- His failed marketing project.
- Trusting younger generations.
- His previous approach to marketing when he joined Betano in 2017.
- Why the Portuguese sports betting market relies on the casino vertical.
- The next chapter for affiliation.
- Network or Not Work: mascots, localization, and keeping support teams local.
- A small personal detail that’s still quietly visible online for those who know where to look.
- His Champion Rule: move forward with an “I need to get this done” mindset. Whatever happens, don’t stop. Stay consistent, keep moving forward, and the results will follow.
“Tiago showed us how to win a new market with discipline, curiosity, and the courage to keep moving forward,” said Krazhan.
Watch or listen to Season 2, Episode 2 with Tiago Pereira on:
Bet It Drives Season 2 kicked off with Rasmus Sojmark and keeps the pace with upcoming episodes featuring Kyrylo Korobka and Kelly Kehn. Buckle up. Lisbon’s just getting started.
The next chapter of iGaming belongs to those who play smart and play bold. Meet GR8 Tech at booth 5028-2 during SiGMA Central Europe 2025 in Rome, November 3–6, and discover the Heavyweight Rulebook built for operators ready to scale, localize, and win.
The post GR8 Tech’s Bet It Drives Hits the Portuguese Fast Lane with Tiago Pereira of LeBull.pt appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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