Andy Jeon, chief operating officer of Winn Tech, pointed out in an interview with AGB that the lower license fees set by the Philippine gaming regulator will enhance the competitiveness of online gaming companies. He said these operators not only have to compete with land-based casinos, but also with the gray market.

Jeon emphasized that the online gambling industry faces global competition, and many illegal market players do not pay taxes and therefore have a competitive advantage. He also pointed out that the new license fee policy came into effect on April 1 this year, and PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said that this reduction is considered significant because the previous remittance rate was over 50%.

PAGCOR board member Gilbert Remulla said lowering fees would incentivize gray market players to go legal. Meanwhile, PAGCOR has strengthened new license integrity checks to ensure applicants do not have criminal records or political compromises.

The chief operating officer of Winn Tech, the first remote slot machine solutions provider in the Philippines to obtain an Internet gambling license, stressed the importance of integrity for online gaming operators. As of January 2024, Winn Tech has partnered with four casinos and equipped them with RPSM systems.

Jeon pointed out that Winn Tech’s business model is different from traditional online games in that they purchase physical slot machines and control them through electronic devices or smartphones. The company also has expansion plans in place, with the goal of purchasing a total of $50 million worth of slot machines over the next few years.