PAGCOR claims that its strong 2025 financial performance underscores its role as a ‘vital government partner’.
The regulator announced earnings of P59bn (£765.2m) off the back of gross gaming revenues (GGR) of P214.8bn in the first half of 2025, up 14% from the same period last year.
As a result, PAGCOR’s contributions to ‘nation-building’ rose to P38.1bn, up 20% year-on-year from P31.8bn, according to the regulator’s Chair, Alejandro Tengco.
“P25.36 billion was remitted to the National Treasury as the mandated government share,” said Tengco. “From that government share, P30 million was remitted to the Dangerous Drugs Board while half of the remaining amount – around P12.7 billion – was the PhilHealth share.”
He estimates that contributions to healthcare could reach P25bn if current growth remains at the same pace.
Strong gaming growth
The majority of PAGCOR’s revenue came from gaming operations and licence fee shares, amounting to P53.4bn. A further P5bn came from other related services and non-gaming income.
Revenues from gaming alone jumped 18% year-on-year, driven by strong performances across licensed digital platforms and land-based casinos.
Of the P214.8bn GGR reported by PAGCOR, electronics games – comprising E-Games, E-Bingo and Bingo grantees – contributed P114.83bn 53.47% of total GGR.
Licensed casinos contributed a further 43.47% and PAGCOR-operated casinos added 3.06%.
“Our first-half performance reaffirms PAGCOR’s role as a vital government partner. We remain focused on continuously strengthening our regulatory framework to ensure that revenues from regulated gaming will continue to benefit the public good,” said Tengco.
Reason for optimism
PAGCOR’s strong financial performance comes at a vital time, as the Philippines’ online gaming industry battles calls for an outright ban on the sector.
The country’s President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, was widely expected to address the issue during his annual State of the Nation Address. However, he remained silent and industry commentators believe that this may signal a brighter future for regulatory developments.
Keith McDonnell, Director at the KMI Group told iGaming Expert: “What the Philippines needs most now is time to carefully consider how a regulatory framework and workable tax system can provide long-term benefits to the local economy while protecting the most vulnerable.
These sentiments were echoed by Tengco, who said that this organisation recognises the value of the iGaming sector but must also ensure that “growth comes with accountability”.
“Our role goes beyond revenue generation; and as partners of the government in nation-building, we are committed to always strike a balance between enabling industry expansion and ensuring it aligns with responsible gaming standards,” he added.
PAGCOR’s figures highlighting the industry’s contributions to public health also align with President Marcos’ primary concerns laid out in his address, which focused on the expansion of services under the country’s universal healthcare scheme.
The Philippines was rocked by flash flooding last week and PAGCOR confirmed that it has delivered approximately P30.41m worth of aid to affected communities.
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