PAGCOR Hosts Malawi Gaming Officials for Regulatory Knowledge Exchange

Philippines Shares Regulatory Expertise with Malawi

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation recently hosted a delegation from the Malawi Gaming & Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) for a regulatory knowledge exchange focused on sharing best practices, supervisory strategies, and industry experiences.

The meeting highlighted PAGCOR’s growing role as a reference point for emerging gaming markets seeking to develop effective regulatory frameworks.

Tengco Highlights International Recognition of PAGCOR Model

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the visit demonstrates the Philippines’ reputation as a leading example in gaming regulation, particularly among jurisdictions with developing industries.

“We welcome the opportunity to exchange best practices with our counterparts because we can always learn from other jurisdictions, and they certainly can learn a lot from our experience as a country with a more mature gaming industry,” Tengco said.

The PAGCOR chief executive added that international cooperation allows regulators to improve their approaches while promoting safer and more responsible gaming environments.

Malawi Strengthens Its Gaming Regulatory Framework

The Malawi Gaming & Lotteries Authority is the national body responsible for overseeing gaming, betting, and lottery activities in Malawi.

Established under the country’s Gaming and Lotteries Act of 2022, the regulator aims to ensure a safe, fair, and transparent gaming sector while protecting consumers, encouraging responsible gambling, and contributing to national development.

Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa formerly known as Nyasaland, is currently working to strengthen oversight of its gaming market.

PAGCOR Becomes a Reference for Emerging Markets

PAGCOR noted that the visit from Malawi follows previous international benchmarking initiatives involving regulators and government officials interested in learning from the Philippine gaming model.

In January 2024, officials from Osaka City and the Japan Gambling Commission visited PAGCOR to study how the Philippines regulates and manages integrated resort casinos.

During the visit, Osaka City Council members toured integrated resorts in Entertainment City to gain insights into casino operations and regulatory practices, as Japan prepares for the development of its first major casino resort.

Growing Regional Interest in Philippine Experience

PAGCOR also highlighted that Cambodia has sent representatives to the Philippines to study the country’s gaming industry as Phnom Penh works on improving regulations for its emerging domestic market.

The regulator said these exchanges reflect the growing international interest in the Philippine approach, which combines industry development, regulatory oversight, and responsible gaming policies.