PAGCOR Considers Smart Table Technology for Casinos

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is weighing a proposal that could require casinos and integrated resorts across the Philippines to introduce smart gaming table technology, according to Inside Asian Gaming.

The proposed measure would give regulators greater visibility into betting and transactions occurring on casino floors, strengthening the monitoring of gaming activity. However, the requirement is not expected to take effect soon, with implementation now potentially starting no earlier than the second half of 2027.

Integrated Resorts Could Be First

PAGCOR had initially been expected to introduce the requirement this year, but the proposed rollout appears to have been pushed back.

Sources cited by Inside Asian Gaming said the regulator could initially apply the requirement to large integrated resorts, with smaller casinos potentially brought under the system later.

The approach reflects concerns over the level of investment smaller properties would need to make while casino revenues remain under pressure from tourism headwinds and global economic conditions.

Smart table systems allow bets and transactions to be monitored more precisely. Wider adoption would therefore provide PAGCOR with increased access to information generated on casino gaming floors and support closer regulatory oversight.

Only a limited number of Philippine operators currently use the technology. They include the two Solaire properties in Entertainment City and Quezon City, along with Newport World Resorts.

Most Casinos Yet to Adopt Technology

A nationwide requirement would significantly expand the use of smart gaming tables in Philippine casinos.

While some operators have already introduced the systems, most casinos have yet to deploy the technology across their gaming rooms. The devices can help casino operators and regulators monitor gaming activity while providing a more detailed record of wagers placed on live table games than existing monitoring methods.

The cost of installing the technology could be substantial, particularly for smaller casino operators. This financial consideration is understood to be one factor behind the possibility of starting the mandate with integrated resorts.

A phased implementation would give the regulator an opportunity to expand monitoring while allowing smaller operators additional time to prepare for the investment involved.

Macau Provides a Comparable Example

A similar approach was recommended by the Macau government in 2024, when it called on the territory’s six gaming concessionaires to introduce radio-frequency identification technology across their gaming floors.

The recommendation was partly linked to Macau’s efforts to calculate bets made by foreign players. The initiative followed an earlier announcement that concessionaires could receive a tax deduction of up to 5% on gross gaming revenue generated from foreign play.

The incentive was designed to encourage casino operators to focus more heavily on international markets. Since then, all six concessionaires have implemented comprehensive smart table systems that can accurately track individual bets.

Smart Technology Gains Wider Casino Uses

Macau’s experience has also seen smart table technology used beyond regulatory monitoring. The systems have become connected with casino operations, including player loyalty programs and greater flexibility for operators when offering high-margin side bets.

For PAGCOR, the precise timing and scope of a potential mandate have yet to be determined. The regulator is expected to assess the financial effect on casino operators before deciding how and when the requirement could be implemented.

If the proposal moves forward, large integrated resorts could be the first properties required to adopt the technology, with smaller casinos potentially brought into the system at a later stage.