Covering a number of eSports events these past few months got me intrigued on how one can secure an eSports License from the Games and Amusement Board (GAB). So, one lazy afternoon I decided to drop by the GAB office in Makati City not just to inquire, but to apply for an eSports License.
Before I was handed with the Application Form for an eSports License, a short interview was conducted asking my credentials as an eSports player. Questions like what kind of game genre I am currently into and which previous tournaments I had participated in were asked from me. Busted! I had never participated in any eSports tournament in this life. Luckily, I had the chance to sit down with Atty. Esmar Benitez of GAB to talk about the details on how one can secure an eSports License.
GAB Board Resolution No. 2017-21, also known as the Guidelines Governing the Conduct of Electronic Sports (E-Sports) in the Philippines was issued last 17 October 2017. As GAB recognizes E-Sports as professional sports under its jurisdiction, the guidelines shall apply to all competitive video games, including real-time strategy, fighting, first-person shooter (FPS), multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), and other upcoming genres where players or teams compete using computers or other electronic gadgets connected to the Internet or local area network (LAN) for prize money and/or other compensation. The mandate, though, exempt elimination and qualifying round games participated by enthusiasts and/or by the general public involving token prizes valued below PHP10,000.
Apparently, there are different kinds of licenses related to eSports here in the Philippines:
- Promoter (Local or International) License
- Security Officer License
- Medical Officer License
- Team Manager License
- Team Trainer License
- E-Sports Player License
- Liaison Officer License
- Analyst License
License Fees range from as low as PHP800 (plus Legal Research Fee of PHP10 for Analysts) to as high as PHP1,200 (plus LRF of PHP12 for Promoters). All licenses, except for the eSports Player type (renewed annually), are valid for two (02) years. Licenses must be renewed on or before the birthday of the licensee. The guidelines indicate 50% of the basic license fee as a penalty for late renewals.
The documentary requirements to secure the license are minimal: any valid Government-issued ID, Parental Consent (for minors), ITR or Statement of Assets & Liabilities (for promoters), Endorsement Letter or Certificate of Membership from any accredited eSports association or club, and Drug Test results (THC and Methamphetamine). All requirements, except for the proof of income and endorsement letter are similar when one applies for a Driver’s License. Processing of your eSports license will only take a day (or less) provided that all requirements are met satisfactorily.
The same directive also requires all tournaments, competitions, or game of Professional eSports to be held with a permit, which will cost the promoter PHP800 per day.
The GAB requires all entities conducting Professional eSports to set aside and remit 3% of the gross gate receipts and income from television, radio, and motion picture rights (if any) not later than 15 days from the date of the tournament, competition or game.
Are you now ready to apply for your own eSports license?