Embracing Technological Evolution in Gaming
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has stressed the importance of adapting its regulatory frameworks to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, specifically artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at the CiG iDEA Summit on September 14, 2026, at the Hilton Manila Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City, PAGCOR Electronic Gaming Licensing Department Assistant Vice President Atty. Jessa Mariz Fernandez delivered a keynote address highlighting the dual nature of AI in the gaming sector.
Opportunities and Challenges of AI
According to Atty. Fernandez, the integration of AI introduces both significant opportunities and complex challenges for regulators. She noted that while the technology can enhance regulatory efficiency, improve compliance, detect fraud, and identify unusual activities, it can also be leveraged by bad actors to execute more sophisticated and harder-to-detect fraudulent schemes.
To address these emerging dynamics, Atty. Fernandez stated that PAGCOR is actively reviewing its policies, collaborating with legitimate industry stakeholders, and strengthening its coordination with other government agencies. The state regulator remains open to adopting new approaches to make its oversight more responsive to increasingly complex risks.
Balancing Innovation and Responsibility
Atty. Fernandez emphasized that gaming regulation must not remain static, asserting that the future of online gaming will be heavily shaped by technology. She argued that regulatory frameworks must protect consumers and preserve market integrity without unnecessarily restricting legitimate enterprises.
According to Atty. Fernandez, the challenge is not to resist technology but to ensure that regulatory frameworks evolve alongside it. She stated that regulation must be responsive without being reactionary, and must encourage innovation without losing sight of responsibility. She added that regulators cannot regulate tomorrow’s technology using only yesterday’s assumptions.
The CiG iDEA Summit was held as part of the week-long Inside Asian Gaming Expo. Other high-ranking PAGCOR officials in attendance included President and Chief Operating Officer Wilma Eisma and Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations Sector Daniel Cecilio.
Source: PAGCOR Official News Archive
