The South East Asian archipelago, the Philippines is emerging to be the region’s hub for iGaming, blockchain and AI by leading the establishment of regulatory framework and providing massive opportunities in the country for these industries to thrive in.
Due to strong government support and regulations, Malta-based and Europe’s leading creator and producer of the largest iGaming, AI and Blocckahin events SigMA, has officially announced yesterday in Makati the launch of their iconic shows in the Philippines. Summit of iGaming Manila (SiGMA Manila), in partnership with another Gaming show giant ICE Asia, and Manila AI and Blockchain Summit (MAIBC Summit) will take place simultaneously on the 8th to 9th of June 2020 in SMX and the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.
“I think Manila is doing an excellent job in creating the right regulatory framework not only for gaming, which PAGCOR has done an incredibly good job at, but also with blockchain,” said Eman Pulis, Founder and CEO of SiGMA. He added that CEZA, which endorses the upcoming MAIBC Summit, and CEZA Sec. Raul lambino are doing a good job in embracing the technology making Manila, without a doubt, the home for their shows. “I think it’s fast establishing itself into becoming the hub for gaming and blockckain in Asia,” Pulis explained.
The stability of Philippines gaming and blockchain landscape compared to other nations in the region has garnered confidence among industry peers and businesses in the country. “I went to a show in Cambodia last week, there’s a whole lot of uncertainty. It’s all people talk about. You don’t hear that here (Philippines),” shared Peter Williams, Continent 8 Managing Director, “everybody is coming here, trying to get a piece of the action.”
Williams believes that the concentration of blockchain and igaming from the people’s perspective is surely here in the Philippines. He added, “it still remains to be the best place to do it.”
Aside from strong regulations and massive opportunities, the Philippines is a bit cheaper, has a strong workforce and has very educated talent pool who can speak English. This what makes Manila much easier place to build operations in according to iGaming Consultant Jesper Jensen.
He shared, “this (Manila) will be the center of iGaming in Asia for sure.”
