With just two weeks until SPiCE International 2026, the upcoming Strategic Platform for iGaming Conference & Exhibition in Cebu, the gaming landscape in Asia continues to shift. Scheduled for November 12-13 at Shangri-La Mactan, this event will bring together operators, suppliers, investors, technology experts, and regulators, all focusing on key issues around market entry, localization, compliance, and partnership development.
Jonas Diego, Senior Gaming Consultant and Chairperson of SPiCE International 2026, emphasized the complexity of Asia's diverse markets when discussing the integral lessons for international suppliers. He stated, "The single most important lesson an international supplier needs to learn is that Asia is not a homogeneous territory. 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."
Jonas pointed out that as Southeast Asia pivots towards more regulated environments, the Philippine market notably stands out. Currently, licensed operators represent 62% of the estimated revenue, meaning the potential for capturing the 38% of unlicensed revenue presents significant opportunities. Unlike its neighboring ASEAN countries, which are tightening restrictions on online gambling, the Philippines remains the only fully regulated, high-growth domestic iGaming market in the region.
Regarding future regulations, Jonas mentioned a shift he believes will significantly impact the market. He explained that regulators in several ASEAN countries are moving from primarily enforcing software licensing to focusing on financial infrastructure. According to him, this strategic change recognizes that illegal gambling platforms need to process player deposits and payouts locally in order to operate.
Drawing from his experience as Country Manager in the Philippines, Jonas underscored the unique advantages the country offers for iGaming operators, including:
– Established Regulatory Clarity: The Philippines provides a defined regulatory environment under PAGCOR, allowing companies to ensure compliance and establish long-term operational bases.
– High-Calibre Shared Services & Technical Talent: The country boasts a mature business process outsourcing ecosystem, enabling operators to efficiently scale specialized teams while maintaining quality.
– Deep Local Market Domain Knowledge: Strong local expertise facilitates insights into player acquisition and retention strategies tailored to the regional market dynamics.
Jonas shared that the agenda for conversations in Cebu will largely revolve around several key areas, including:
– The implications of PAGCOR's tax restructuring and strategies for capturing the unlicensed market.
– How B2B providers can adapt to meet technical mandates set by regulators.
– Insights drawn from compliance lessons of nearby jurisdictions as they strengthen their regulations.
The conference will feature key themes such as market access, regulation, localization, and operational strategy throughout both days. Highlights include:
– On Day One: Discussions will include the pace of regulatory adaptations in light of rapid technological advancements and the dynamics between integrated resorts and digital gaming.
– On Day Two: Panels will tackle the challenges of player acquisition in regulated markets, and the transition of land-based players to digital platforms, among other pertinent topics.
Additionally, the SPiCE International Eventus Awards 2026 will take place on the evening of November 12, honoring influential figures and innovations within Asia's gaming sector. Nominations are still open until October 30, leaving a limited window for recognizing standout contributions.
The event promises to be a pivotal moment for those involved in the gaming industry, offering opportunities for networking and collaboration.
SPiCE International 2026 will take place on November 12-13, 2026, at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, in the Philippines.
