The third edition of SPiCE International is set to take place from 12–13 November 2026 at the Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, Philippines. The event will bring together leading operators, suppliers, and industry stakeholders to discuss key issues facing the Asian iGaming sector, including regulatory compliance, player protection, and market growth.
Regulatory Compliance Takes Center Stage
Regulatory compliance remains a top priority for both operators and suppliers in the Philippines. Rhaymond Torres, Specialist in Casino Regulatory Compliance at Okada Manila, emphasized the need for B2B suppliers to address regulatory requirements early in the integration process. According to Torres, confirming the relevant requirements and approval processes at the outset can help prevent delays and rework. He also highlighted responsible gaming as a central regulatory concern, pointing to the importance of effective entry checks, exclusion measures, and well-trained staff in building trust and securing the industry's future.
Building Partnerships Through Relevance and Proof
Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus, outlined what operators look for when partnering with B2B suppliers. He stressed the importance of demonstrating regulatory readiness, local relevance, and proven product performance. Spytma noted that suppliers should show their ability to operate in regulated markets, tailor their offerings to local preferences, and provide ongoing data sharing after launch. He also warned that focusing solely on aggressive player acquisition without responsible gaming measures is seen as a red flag in regulated environments.
Opportunities in the Philippine Gaming Market
The Philippine gaming landscape is evolving, with online gaming surpassing land-based casinos in terms of gross gaming revenue in 2025, according to PAGCOR. Spytma identified three areas of opportunity: integrating online and offline experiences, developing culturally relevant games, and building player trust through visible safeguards. He cited the opening of Evolution's first Asian studio in Cebu as an example of local content production, and highlighted the importance of responsible gaming tools and surety bond protections in fostering long-term player loyalty.
Why This Matters for Industry Stakeholders
For operators, affiliates, and suppliers, the discussions at SPiCE International 2026 underscore the growing importance of compliance and player protection in the Asian market. Early alignment on regulatory requirements can streamline partnerships and product launches. For affiliates and suppliers, demonstrating local relevance and a commitment to responsible gaming is increasingly essential to securing and retaining business relationships. Regulators, meanwhile, continue to focus on measures that enhance player safety and market integrity as online gaming expands its footprint.
Key takeaways
- SPiCE International 2026 will focus on compliance, player protection, and growth in Asia.
- Early attention to regulatory requirements can prevent delays for suppliers and operators.
- Local relevance and responsible gaming are critical for successful partnerships in the Philippines.
- Online gaming now leads the market, making player trust and visible safeguards more important than ever.