Manila, Philippines – Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco opened the SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 in Manila this morning. He emphasised 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,” PAGCOR Chairman & CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
Asia’s rapidly expanding digital gaming and online entertainment sector took centre stage today during SiGMA Asia, bringing together regulators, investors and technology companies as the region’s digital economy continues to grow at scale.
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, taking place at the SMX Convention Center from 31 May to 3 June, brings together delegates from gaming, fintech, AI, blockchain and emerging technology sectors from across Asia, Europe and Latin America as international interest in Asian digital markets accelerates.
The opening ceremony was attended by:
- Deputy Speaker Hon. Maria Rachel Arenas
- PAGCOR Chair & CEO Alejandro H. Tengco
- Emily Micallef, CEO SiGMA World
During the opening session, Emily Micallef, CEO of SiGMA World, highlighted that the Philippines has emerged as the regulatory anchor of the region. She noted that this aligns closely with SiGMA’s mission of bringing together governments, regulators, and businesses to advance sustainable industry growth.
“Governments and businesses around the world are realising that regulation is the only way forward,” Micallef said. She added that SiGMA has been traveling globally, promoting this message and encouraging greater collaboration to foster a well-regulated, responsible, and sustainable gaming industry.
“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 PAGCOR Chairman & CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
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 across the region.
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 highlighted Southeast Asia as one of the region’s strongest growth areas, driven by rising smartphone usage, digital payment adoption and increasing online engagement.
The SiGMA Asia Market Report, identified the Philippines as one of Asia’s leading regulated gaming markets, recording monthly revenue peaks exceeding $1 billion over the past year.
The summit continues tomorrow with discussions focused on market regulation, investment trends and emerging technologies shaping Asia’s rapidly evolving digital sectors.
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