The online gaming company 188BET officially announced its decision to relocate operations back to the Philippines. In a recent email to players, the company confirmed it is undergoing structural changes. It is also shifting to a new licensing jurisdiction.
Currently, 188BET operates under Cube Limited, which holds a license from the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (IoMGSC). However, the company revealed that Cube Limited will surrender its IoMGSC license effective March 19. At that point, a new Philippine-based entity, BestCommerce Corporation, will take over the brand’s operations. PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, licenses and regulates this new entity.
Moreover, 188BET clarified that players who do not meet PAGCOR’s minimum age requirement of 21 may close their accounts. Players who choose not to continue under the new license may also withdraw any remaining funds.
Originally, 188BET established its headquarters in Makati, the Philippines’ central business district. After obtaining its IoMGSC license in 2007, the company moved its operations to the Isle of Man. Later, during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, it relocated out of the Philippines.
Now, with the shift back to Philippine jurisdiction, 188BET once again anchors its presence in Asia’s growing iGaming hub. This move directly supports PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco’s call for more international investment. The call focuses on boosting the country’s regulated online gaming industry.
Chairman Tengco emphasized PAGCOR’s commitment to fair, transparent, and stable regulation. “We continue to assure 188BET and other potential investors that PAGCOR will treat everyone fairly,” he stated. “We will also maintain a level playing field with a dependable regulatory framework.”
In addition, this announcement comes as PAGCOR reported major growth in the iGaming sector. The sector nearly doubled its revenue in 2023, citing strong policy reforms as the driving force behind the growth.
Notably, the sector includes e-games, e-bingo, specialty games, and sports betting. These areas contributed Php58.16 billion (€967.69 million) to the country’s gross gaming revenues (GGR) in 2023.
Furthermore, PAGCOR reached a major milestone by licensing over 1,000 iGaming sites last year. Even more applications are currently under review.
Consequently, 188BET’s return marks a significant vote of confidence in the Philippines’ improved regulatory environment. As a known and trusted brand in online gaming, 188BET brings both value and credibility to the market.
Additionally, the presence of more operators boosts player choice. Increased competition leads to better products and more attractive promotions. It also results in a more dynamic gaming experience for Filipino players.
In particular, the involvement of reputable European operators reinforces international trust in doing online gaming business in the Philippines. This growing confidence creates an environment where everyone stands to benefit.
