Asia's gaming landscape is uniquely diverse, composed of various markets, each governed by its own set of regulations, payment behaviors, and player expectations. Success in this intricate environment hinges on a company's ability to adapt rather than simply replicate strategies. This concept is set to be a central theme at SPiCE International 2026, the Strategic Platform for iGaming Conference & Exhibition, which will be held from November 12 to 13 at the Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, Philippines.
The agenda focuses on connecting buyers and builders to explore critical topics, including product-market fit, payment strategies, artificial intelligence, and market access, all aimed at providing actionable insights.
Ahead of the event, two operators featured in the program shared their insights on aligning regulatory demands with business aspirations within this dynamic market.
Rhaymond Torres, a specialist in Casino Regulatory Compliance at Okada Manila, discussed frequent compliance oversights made by B2B suppliers working with major casino operators. He stated, "One oversight is leaving compliance until the end. Suppliers should confirm PAGCOR requirements and the casino’s own approval process early, including the documents and testing needed. Getting these right before integration helps avoid delays and rework."
For land-based casino operators in the Philippines, Rhaymond emphasized a primary regulatory focus: responsible gaming. He explained, “For me, it is responsible gaming. This means proper entry checks, effective exclusion measures, and staff who know when and how to help. With the industry under scrutiny, we need to show that we take player protection seriously. That is how we build trust and secure the industry’s future.”
He also highlighted a collaborative approach, advising both regulatory and commercial teams to engage early in the planning process: "Talk early, not just when approval is needed. Commercial teams should involve compliance while plans are still being developed, and regulatory teams should give clear, practical guidance. Agreeing on requirements, responsibilities, and timelines upfront helps both teams avoid last-minute problems."
Looking towards SPiCE International 2026, Rhaymond expressed a hope that attendees would take away the message of integrating growth with compliance: "Growth and compliance should go together. We can pursue business goals while protecting players and meeting regulatory requirements. Open discussions between operators and PAGCOR also help clarify requirements and address practical concerns."
Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus, articulated what distinguishes an effective B2B product pitch. He noted the importance of "Relevance and proof. We are not looking for a deck full of features." Their evaluation process centers on three key questions. First, can the partner operate in a regulated market? Strong pitches highlight their licenses, compliance history, and player protection features. Second, does the product appeal to Filipino players? Evan stressed, “Our mission is to bring fun to people, so a title has to suit our audience, not just perform well on paper.” Lastly, he asked, “Can you prove it works, and will you keep sharing the data after launch?” He cautioned that failing to address responsible gaming could quickly lead to losing credibility in front of potential partners.
When discussing untapped opportunities in the Philippine gaming scene over the next 18 months, Evan identified three pivotal areas. He pointed out that according to PAGCOR, online gaming surged ahead of licensed casinos for the first time, accounting for more than half of the total gross gaming revenue in 2025. He stated, "The question now is not whether players are online, but which operators will earn their long-term trust."
First, he mentioned the importance of linking online experiences with offline engagements. He shared that Casino Plus’s live casino partner, Evolution, launched its first Asian studio in Cebu in 2025, creating content specifically for the Filipino market. Paired digital and real-world experiences can foster loyalty beyond what simple bonuses might offer.
Second, he noted the demand for culturally relevant games, emphasizing that Filipino players are drawn to content that resonates with their culture. Local game formats like Perya and Colour Game formats, as well as live tables, still have significant growth potential as global studios invest in market-specific titles.
Trust was Evan’s third focus, underscoring new regulations that improved traceability and the need to combat illegal operators. He mentioned that operators showing visible safeguards, such as independent surety bond protections and effective responsible gaming measures, will cultivate long-lasting trust with players. "At Casino Plus, our ₱1-billion PhilFirst surety bond program exemplifies that commitment. Over the next 18 months, we intend to enhance those protections to help players choose licensed platforms confidently."
Regarding recent technological advancements that have positively impacted operations at Casino Plus, Evan highlighted their content integration architecture. He elaborated, "On many platforms, adding a new studio means a long integration and real risk to live operations. We built ours so we can onboard a global partner progressively, title by title, while the platform keeps running." He noted their collaboration with Peter & Sons as a prime example, as their catalog of games is being introduced to players in phases, including Philippines-exclusive titles.
Live Baccarat, a popular game on their platform, demonstrates the importance of data in operational decisions, guiding when to open additional tables and maintain stream quality during peak times. He stated, "That speed matters, but only if it sits on top of a strong compliance backbone. Our verification stack reduces friction for legitimate players while upholding compliance standards."
He recounted a significant milestone in September, when a record ₱122,409,603 payout from an Aristocrat Dragon Link jackpot was processed—the largest verified jackpot in Philippine slot machine history, surpassing a previous record of ₱99.99 million. This milestone was observed by PAGCOR representatives and media members, marking the sixth major jackpot paid since August 2024, totaling nearly ₱1 billion in fully verified payouts. In a market where trust is paramount, this transparency offers a distinct competitive edge.
SPiCE International 2026 promises to provide even more insights into operational strategies and industry perspectives as it approaches its kickoff date.
