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PhilWeb, a Philippines-based gaming services company, is set to extend its online presence with a new strategic service agreement with international supplier FBM, which aims to develop an online platform that will directly connect to FBM’s existing land-based operations. As part of the agreement, PhilWeb will provide technology services, system integration, and regulatory-compliant support for the new online platform, which will aim to connect to a maximum of 500 venues and 30,000 gaming machines nationwide.
Online-to-Offline Model for FBM Network
PhilWeb will be responsible for developing and rolling out FBM’s online gaming capabilities in a way that syncs seamlessly with its existing electronic gaming infrastructure. The plan is to introduce an “online-to-offline” model, allowing digital features to feed into and enhance operations on the ground. The initial roll-out is expected to cover thousands of machines, with the potential to expand to FBM’s entire range of gaming venues and machines as the project develops.
The integrated system is expected to give FBM’s gaming venues an integrated platform where online systems will be able to directly support machine functionality, content, and player engagement activities on the floor. By integrating online systems with physical gaming venues, both companies are placing their bets on a more integrated gaming ecosystem that will keep up with the evolving nature of how players today interact with gaming content.
Focus on Player Engagement and Venue Performance
According to PhilWeb, the three main objectives of the release are to increase player engagement, improve the performance of venues, and help the development of regulated electronic gaming in the Philippines. The new platform is expected to provide functionalities that will improve bingo, slots, and other electronic games from FBM, a well-known leader in the Philippine bingo market.
By tailoring digital capabilities to FBM’s installed base, the partnership is designed to support operators in driving more efficient, compliant, and engaging operations within the boundaries of the country’s regulatory framework. PhilWeb’s role includes ensuring that all technical and systems work aligns with the requirements of Philippine regulators as the online layer is introduced.
Strengthening Presence in Regulated Online Space
For PhilWeb, the FBM agreement marks another step in its strategy to serve as a key technology partner in the country’s growing regulated online gaming space. The company has recently partnered with a client to develop the online gaming platform for Clark’s Hann Casino Resort, marking its overall strategy to provide digital solutions for existing land-based gaming properties.
Taken together, these developments indicate that PhilWeb is positioning itself at the intersection of land-based gaming and online gaming, providing the systems that enable licensed gaming venues to expand into the regulated online space while remaining within the bounds of regulatory requirements.
FBM’s Established Footprint in the Philippines
FBM has been a staple in the Philippines for a long time, particularly in bingo, slot machines, and electronic gaming machines. As a prominent bingo provider, FBM has a broad array of machines and locations that could greatly benefit from new online connectivity. Partnering with PhilWeb gives FBM a domestic technology partner that is committed to integrating its product offerings into a new online framework specifically designed for the Philippine market.
The partnership has an online-to-offline business model, where players who access FBM content in physical locations will enjoy improved functionality powered by the new online platform, while operators will get back-end support to help them manage performance and compliance more effectively.
The Growth of Regulated Electronic Gaming
This partnership is firmly within the Philippines’ regulated gaming industry, where licensed operators are developing electronic gaming with increased regulation. The new online platform that can connect up to 500 locations and 30,000 machines indicates a shift towards more integrated and technology-driven gaming operations that remain well within the formal regulatory framework.
With the expansion of the project to thousands of machines, the project will demonstrate the extent to which online functionality can be integrated into offline gaming networks in the Philippines. For PhilWeb and FBM, this partnership provides an opportunity to advance technology in line with the development of online electronic gaming in the Philippines.
Source: Inside Asian Gaming (IAG)
