The Philippines has received 76 applications for its new ‘offshore’ online gambling licenses, the first of which should be issued this month.

On Monday, Andrea Domingo, CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), told local media that 76 online gambling firms had filed applications for the new licenses, plans for which PAGCOR had originally announced in mid-September.

Business World Online quoted Domingo saying PAGCOR expected to give initial approval to the first 25 online licenses “before the end of October” and that these licenses would be valid for one year. Domingo said applicants understand that PAGCOR “might be changing the rules and regulations” prior to the expiry of the one-year licenses.

Speaking following a meeting with the House of Representatives’ Committee on Games and Amusements, Domingo noted that PAGCOR would use the first three to six months of the new licensing regime to “study” the activities of approved online gambling operators and adjust its regulatory approach accordingly.