Philippines-based gaming service provider Jade Entertainment says it has been granted approval by PAGCOR to launch its new online sportsbook, Jade SportsBet, to local players.
The GLI-certified platform will allow Jade to “build a bridge” between its land-based and online channels, the company said, leveraging rapidly-expanding digital opportunities across the Philippines.
“We’re naturally delighted that PAGCOR has regulated to allow sports betting to go online in the Philippines, and that their flexible foresight in adapting to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic has resulted in this landmark license for Jade SportsBet and our progressive portfolio of local retail partnerships,” said Jade Entertainment CEO, Joe Pisano.
“Obviously, our strategic intention is to roll out more of these agile online collaborations as we continue to provide land-based operations with a lifeline in the digital world. Although the migration from land-based to digital was already apparent before the coronavirus outbreak, Jade’s intersectional expertise, ground-breaking technology and trading teams have really put us in the driver’s seat for giving customers the sports betting experience they’ve been craving throughout recent lockdowns.
“We’ve already seen Jade SportsBet immediately rebound with record volumes at Okada Manila ahead of this weekend’s hotly-anticipated Pacquiao fight. And as you can imagine, for the vast majority, there’s only one fighter whom our local customers want to support!
“The Philippines remains the most mature gaming market in Asia with a very diverse range of products, so we’re thrilled to be innovating to promote a sustainable and socially-responsible sports betting ecosystem.”
Approval for Jade’s online sportsbook comes after MegaSportsWorld was also granted approval to launch its remote gaming platform earlier this week.
Having previously resisted such moves, PAGCOR has become much more open to providing Philippine residents with online gaming options as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The gaming regulator last year approved a scheme, known as PIGO (Philippine Inland Gaming Operators), under which casino and integrated resort operators can be licensed to offer online gambling to existing registered members, allowing them to log in and play from anywhere within the country.
