The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) recently hosted officials from the Malawi Gaming & Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) for a regulatory knowledge exchange. According to PAGCOR, the bilateral meeting was designed to share best practices and insights to help strengthen the African nation’s gaming industry.
A Model for Gaming Regulation
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco stated that the visit from the MAGLA delegation demonstrates the Philippines’ solid reputation as a regulatory model, particularly for emerging gaming markets worldwide. Tengco emphasized that PAGCOR welcomes the opportunity to exchange best practices, noting that the Philippines offers valuable lessons as a country with a more mature gaming industry.
MAGLA serves as the national regulatory body responsible for overseeing all gaming, betting, and lottery activities in Malawi, a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa formerly known as Nyasaland. Established under Malawi’s Gaming and Lotteries Act of 2022, MAGLA’s mandate includes ensuring a safe, fair, and transparent gaming industry, protecting consumers, promoting responsible play, and supporting national development.
Global Benchmarking and Regional Interest
The visit from Malawi is not the first time international regulators have looked to the Philippines for guidance. PAGCOR noted that several other jurisdictions have conducted similar benchmarking visits to study the local regulatory framework:
- Japan: In January 2024, officials from Osaka City and the Japan Gambling Commission visited PAGCOR to study the regulation and operation of integrated resorts. Accompanied by Chairman Tengco, members of the Osaka City Council toured integrated resort casinos at Entertainment City. This visit came as Osaka prepares to open Japan’s first major casino resort by 2030.
- Cambodia: A delegation from Cambodia also previously visited the Philippines to study the local gaming industry, aiming to craft better regulations for its own emerging domestic market.
Source Note: This report is based on official press releases and statements issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
