As the gaming landscape in Asia undergoes significant transformation, operators are adapting their strategies and raising the expectations for their suppliers. The upcoming SPiCE International 2026, short for Strategic Platform for iGaming Conference & Exhibition, is set to tackle these shifts in its third edition happening from November 12 to 13 at the Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, Philippines.
Over the course of two days, various stakeholders including operators, suppliers, investors, technology experts, and regulators will gather to address key questions surrounding market entry, compliance, and the development of productive partnerships.
Jonas Diego, Senior Gaming Consultant and Chairperson of SPiCE International 2026, provided insights into the essential understanding for international suppliers entering the Asian market. He emphasized that Asia is not a uniform region:
"The single most important lesson an international supplier needs to learn is that Asia is not a homogeneous territory, and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ product, operational strategy, or solution. It is a complex tapestry of wildly different regulatory environments, cultural preferences, payment systems, and player behaviours. You have to put in the work by truly immersing yourself, getting to know the market you’re entering and the people you’re going to be selling to."
Highlighting the evolving regulatory landscape, Jonas shared insights on the immense potential within the Southeast Asian iGaming sector, particularly in the Philippines, where licensed operators made up 62% of the estimated revenue. He noted the sizable opportunity represented by the remaining 38% of unlicensed revenue leakage. Despite restrictions on online gambling in neighboring countries, the Philippines stands out as Southeast Asia’s only fully regulated and rapidly growing iGaming market.
Looking to the future, Jonas detailed a significant regulatory shift on the horizon:
"Regulators across ASEAN, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, are shifting focus from software licensing to financial infrastructure enforcement. For years, government policy primarily concentrated on software licensing and domain restrictions to combat illegal online gambling. However, this has been an ongoing struggle. The new approach towards enforcing financial infrastructure acknowledges a fundamental reality: illegal gambling platforms cannot function effectively without processing local deposits or payouts. This could be a major turning point for the industry."
Drawing from his experience as Country Manager in the Philippines, Jonas identified key advantages for iGaming operations in the country:
– **Established Regulatory Clarity:** The Philippines offers a clear regulatory framework under PAGCOR, allowing firms to create sustainable operational hubs and maintain compliance.
– **Access to High-Caliber Talent:** The mature BPO sector enables rapid scaling of specialized teams at an efficient cost.
– **Deep Market Knowledge:** Local professionals understand player acquisition and digital payment systems specific to the Asian market.
As Chairperson, Jonas outlined the key topics expected to dominate discussions in Cebu:
"With the full transition away from grey-market offshore hubs, I expect conversations will focus heavily on issues such as PAGCOR’s tax restructuring and strategies to capture that 38% unlicensed market leakage. Other anticipated discussions include how B2B providers can adapt to PAGCOR's technical mandates and operational bases in the Philippines to support regional growth."
The agenda is rich with topics that emphasize market access, regulation, and operational strategies. Key sessions on Day One include:
– **Fireside Chat:** Exploring the pace of regulatory change in relation to AI and innovation in gaming.
– **Product Marketplace:** A look into the market trends driving product relevance.
– **Casino Leaders Panel:** Discussing the dynamics between integrated resorts and digital gaming.
On Day Two, topics will tackle:
– **Panel Discussion:** The role of advertising and compliance in attracting quality players.
– **CEO Technology Forum:** Strategic choices in technology investments within iGaming.
– **Panel Discussion:** Techniques for transitioning land-based players to digital platforms.
Further discussions will cover AI in iGaming, prediction markets, esports, and capital flows, culminating in a Startup Pitch Competition.
On the evening of November 12, the Eventus Awards will honor outstanding individuals and companies making an impact in Asia’s gaming industry, with nominations closing on October 30.
SPiCE International 2026 promises robust networking opportunities for exhibitors, sponsors, and delegates alike, showcasing the latest advancements and fostering vital conversations within the gaming sector.
The event is scheduled for November 12-13, 2026, at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, Philippines.
