PAGCOR Chairman and CEO opens SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 with Call for Regulated Growth

Industry Leaders Gather in Manila to Discuss Asia’s Digital Future

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco opened the SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 in Manila this morning, emphasizing that the true measure of the gaming industry's success is its ability to remain properly regulated, socially responsible, and genuinely beneficial to the communities it serves.

“As regulators and industry leaders, we have the obligation of ensuring that innovation is matched by accountability, and that industry progress remains aligned with social responsibility and public welfare,” said PAGCOR Chairman & CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.

Asia’s Expanding iGaming Market Takes Center Stage

Asia’s rapidly growing digital gaming and online entertainment sector took center stage at SiGMA Asia, bringing together regulators, investors, and technology companies as the region’s digital economy continues to expand.

Emily Micallef, CEO of SiGMA World, commented: “Asia has become the largest iGaming market, with over 250 million active users and a $45.5 billion market size. Southeast Asia is the primary growth engine driving rising revenues.”

The summit, held at the SMX Convention Center from May 31 to June 3, brings together delegates from the gaming, fintech, AI, blockchain, and emerging technology sectors across Asia, Europe, and Latin America amid growing international interest in Asian digital markets.

High-Level Attendance Highlights Industry Importance

The opening ceremony was attended by:

• Deputy Speaker Hon. Maria Rachel Arenas
• PAGCOR Chairman & CEO Alejandro H. Tengco
• Emily Micallef, CEO of SiGMA World

During the opening session, Emily Micallef highlighted the Philippines’ role as a regulatory benchmark for the region. She noted that this aligns closely with SiGMA’s mission of bringing together governments, regulators, and businesses to support sustainable industry development.

“Governments and businesses around the world are realising that regulation is the only way forward,” Micallef said. She added that SiGMA continues to promote this message globally, encouraging stronger collaboration to foster a well-regulated, responsible, and sustainable gaming industry.

Gaming Revenues Continue Supporting National Development

“PAGCOR has always recognised the importance of the gaming industry as a critical source for government funding and a true partner in nation-building. Every peso that we generate directly benefits programmes for healthcare, education, infrastructure, disaster response, and other essential public services,” said Tengco.

Regulation, AI and Digital Innovation Lead Summit Agenda

Discussions throughout the summit are expected to focus on regulation, artificial intelligence, digital payments, blockchain infrastructure, and the future of online entertainment markets across Asia as governments and operators respond to accelerating digital adoption.

According to the SiGMA Asia Market Report, Asia’s iGaming market generated an estimated $45.5 billion in cumulative revenue between April 2025 and March 2026, with more than 155.7 million active players across 28 Asian markets. The report also identified Southeast Asia as one of the region’s fastest-growing markets, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, digital payment adoption, and higher levels of online engagement.

Philippines Among Asia’s Leading Regulated Gaming Markets

The SiGMA Asia Market Report also identified the Philippines as one of Asia’s leading regulated gaming jurisdictions, recording monthly revenue peaks exceeding $1 billion over the past year.

The summit continues tomorrow with sessions focused on market regulation, investment opportunities, and emerging technologies shaping Asia’s rapidly evolving digital economy.