PAGCOR caps slot player rebates at land-based casinos

The new provisions extend the regulator’s incentive framework to slot machines while retaining separate limits for VIP, high-roller and junket players at gaming tables.

The Philippines.- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has set a 1.50 per cent turnover limit on the incentives offered to slot machine players at licensed land-based casinos. The measure was approved by the PAGCOR board of directors on October 8, 2026, and communicated to licensed casinos in a notice dated October 13 with immediate effect.

Under the revised rules, casinos may offer slot machine players incentives of up to 1.50 per cent of turnover, comprising a maximum cash rebate of 1.40 per cent and an incentive commission of up to 0.20 per cent. Incentive commissions cannot be redeemed for cash.

The amendment retains existing incentive limits for gaming table players. Non-junket VIP and high-roller players remain subject to a cap of 1.35 per cent of net turnover, while junket players are subject to a 1.50 per cent cap.

PAGCOR has also amended its rules on gross gaming revenue (GGR) calculations. Under Section 3 of the revised regulation, casinos cannot classify player incentives, including rebates and rolling commissions, as gaming table or electronic gaming machine losses to reduce reported GGR.

PAGCOR said the changes would be incorporated into Revision No. 1 of the Casino Regulatory Manual for Licensed Land-Based Casinos.