Electronic sports, or esports, have evolved from a niche pastime into a globally recognised profession and a commercial industry. In the Philippines, this transformation is particularly evident as millions of players, fans and investors contribute to its rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
Today, the Philippine esports market is home to more than 16.5 million active gamers, with an estimated market revenue of USD27.7 million. This growth is driven largely by the accessibility of affordable smartphones and mobile internet, which have made electronic gaming more convenient and inclusive.
However, while the government has shown openness to its development, the legal and regulatory landscape remains limited and fragmented. This article outlines the current regulatory framework governing esports in the Philippines, the challenges it faces, and the proposed legislative measures that seek to strengthen governance in this growing sector.
Current regulatory framework
Ma Carla P Mapalo
Partner at V&A Law in Manila
Tel: +632 8988 6088
Email: mp.mapalo@thefirmva.com
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) is the principal regulatory body for professional sports in the Philippines. In 2017, the GAB officially recognised esports as a professional activity subject to its supervision and regulation. This was implemented through GAB Resolution No. 2017-21, entitled Guidelines Governing the Conduct of Electronic Sports in the Philippines, later amended by Resolution No. 2018-15, or the Amended Rules and Regulations Governing Professional Electronic Sports in the Philippines (esports rules).
Under the esports rules, any person or entity engaged in the conduct or operation of professional esports must obtain a licence from the GAB prior to participating in such activities. The licensing requirement extends to various roles including promoters or organisers, team managers, coaches, analysts, casters, security marshals, liaison officers and medical officers.
Before a professional esports event may proceed, the promoter must secure a permit from the GAB at least 10 days before the competition. Promoters are further responsible for maintaining peace and order during events, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, preventing acts of game-fixing or cheating, and reporting any violations that may compromise the integrity of the tournament.
While the GAB framework provides an initial structure for licensing and supervision, it remains the only formal regulation governing esports. It primarily addresses administrative and operational compliance, but does not cover broader issues in the esports industry.
Issues and challenges
Amber Shawn A Gagajena
Senior Associate at V&A Law in Manila
Tel: +632 8988 6088
Email: aa.gagajena@thefirmva.com
Despite the growing acceptance of esports as a legitimate professional activity, several regulatory and institutional issues continue to hinder the full development of the industry.
Regulatory ambiguity and jurisdictional overlap. No single statute or agency provides a comprehensive legal framework for esports. While the GAB exercises authority over professional esports under its resolutions, other government entities such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) maintain related but distinct mandates.
This overlapping of jurisdictions often leads to confusion among stakeholders regarding which agency’s rules apply. For example, under the mandate of the PAGCOR, electronic gaming refers to games of chance offered through electronic gaming platforms, including sports betting, electronic bingo, online poker and other casino-style games.
However, the increasing commercialisation of esports through sponsorships, advertising and online streaming raises questions about whether certain forms of monetisation of online gaming fall within the PAGCOR’s jurisdiction.
Fragmented standards and compliance requirements. Because existing regulations are confined to the GAB’s administrative resolutions, there is currently no uniform standard for event organisation, player registration or contractual arrangements. Tournament organisers, sponsors and teams often rely on private contracts without the benefit of codified best practices, or dispute resolution mechanisms. This fragmentation has resulted in inconsistent compliance requirements and levels of oversight across events.
Without harmonised rules, smaller organisers or provincial tournaments may operate outside the GAB’s supervision, potentially exposing participants to unfair practices, unfulfilled prize commitments, or a lack of health and safety safeguards.
Lack of formal definition. This makes it difficult to distinguish esports from online gambling. While both take place in digital environments and may involve financial transactions, the two are legally and conceptually distinct. Esports are fundamentally competitions of skill, strategy and performance, whereas gambling involves wagering on outcomes predominantly determined by chance.
However, the rise of esports betting platforms, where spectators can place wagers on tournament outcomes, has complicated public understanding and regulatory classification. Without clear statutory parameters, esports risk being conflated with gambling, potentially subjecting legitimate competitions and participants to the same licensing and taxation regimes applicable to gaming operators.
Infrastructure limitations. While the Philippines is considered a mobile-first esports market, uneven access to reliable and high-speed internet connectivity continues to constrain the industry’s development. Many regions outside Metro Manila lack the infrastructure necessary to host large-scale competitions or support high-performance gaming.
Developments in legislation
Macario B Duguiang Jr
Junior Associate at V&A Law
in Manila
Tel: +632 8988 6088
Email: mb.duguiang@thefirmva.com
Recognising the above-mentioned challenges and issues, legislators in both chambers of congress have filed several measures aimed at institutionalising a regulatory and policy framework for the industry.
House Bill No. 05401 and House Bill No. 03751 – the Esports Act. House Bill No. 05401 of the 19th Congress, and House Bill No. 03751 of the 20th Congress, both titled the Esports Act, provide a definition for “esports” and propose the creation of the Philippine Esports Commission (PEC) as the government agency responsible for regulating, organising and promoting esports in the country, operating independently of the PSC. The proposed PEC would have powers and functions, including the following:
- Formulate and implement uniform policies and rules for esports activities in the Philippines;
- Establish a masterplan for the medium and long-term development of the esports industry;
- Promote international tournaments and events relating to esports;
- Promote research and technological innovation for esports infrastructure;
- Secure financial resources for esports development; and
- Establish an esports industry support centre.
House Bill No. 05401, which was filed on 4 October 2022, has been pending with the Committee on Government Reorganisation since then. House Bill No. 03751 was recently filed, on 14 August 2025.
House Bill No. 07411, the Magna Carta for Esports Gamers. Complementing the institutional framework proposed under the Esports Act, House Bill No. 07411 of the 19th Congress, or the Magna Carta for Esports Gamers, focuses on the rights, benefits and welfare of individuals engaged in esports.
The bill defines esports as organised, competitive video gaming, at local or international level. It also defines an esports player as a person who engages in esports competitions, either as a professional or amateur player. The bill enumerates several rights of esports players, including:
- The right to fair and just compensation and benefits;
- The right to be free from discrimination on any ground such as gender, sexual orientation or age;
- The right to safe and healthy working conditions; and
- The right to intellectual property protection over their gaming profiles and personas.
The bill also provides benefits and privileges for national esports players, including scholarship benefits for esports players who achieve victories in major international esports competitions. It also provides players with free medical services and free legal consultations for legal matters related to esports gaming, including contract negotiation and IP rights.
The bill establishes the National Esports Gamers’ Welfare Fund, which would provide financial assistance and incentives to national gamers who suffer from injuries, illnesses or disabilities arising from their participation in or preparation for competitions.
The bill has been referred by the Committee on Rules to the Committee on Youth and Sports Development and has been pending since 2023.
Senate Bill No. 2121 – Esports Act of 2023. Senate Bill No. 2121 of the 19th Congress introduces a parallel measure that similarly defines esports and proposes the establishment of a Philippine Electronic Sports Commission (PESC) as the central body responsible for overseeing and monitoring esports activities nationwide. Under the bill, the PESC would be mandated to:
- Accredit esports organisations and participants;
- Formulate and implement uniform rules and policies for esports events;
- Promote international esports tournaments and exchanges;
- Encourage scientific research and infrastructure development in esports;
- Secure financial resources to support industry growth; and
- Establish an esports industry support centre.
Filed on 3 May 2023, the bill is pending with the Committee on Sports.
Legislative outlook
Taken together, these pending measures reflect a growing consensus in congress that esports require dedicated governance and policy support beyond the existing administrative issuances of the GAB. If enacted, these bills could mark a turning point for the Philippine esports industry by providing statutory recognition, strengthening player rights, and institutionalising a coherent regulatory framework.
VILLARAZA & ANGANGCO (V&A LAW)
V&A Law Centre
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Bonifacio Global City 1634
Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel: +632 8988 6088
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