PAGCOR has lauded its modernisation strategy as significant regulatory shifts are reflected in a successful period fuelled by digital transformation.
Even as the debate around the future of online gaming in the Philippines fails to find clarity, the regulated sector continues to prosper.
PAGCOR announced an almost 50% year-over-year increase in net revenue through the first three quarters of 2025, which Chair Alejandro Tengco described as a clear indicator of the positive impact of the agency’s embracing of new tech-driven initiatives.
The agency reported a net revenue of Php 14.32bn (£185.4bn) through Q3 2025, up from Php 9.63bn in the same period last year.
This growth was driven by a 5.87% Y-o-Y increase in total revenues to Php 84.09bn, Php 75.93bn of which came from gaming operations.
There had been trepidation around how the future would unfold for the Philippines’ gambling sector after the prohibition of POGOs was officially fully implemented at the start of 2025. However, the latest revenue boost indicates a smooth transition into a new landscape.
Off the back of the dramatic decision, the tides have turned for the country’s land-based sector, as it has powered beyond political disruption to ensure a new era of engagement.
The body has also focused on bringing its casino sector into a new era as its overall betting landscape adjusted to a future beyond POGOs. In its latest set of results, it began reaping the benefits of the significant investment in slot machines, having acquired 1,968 slot machines from RGB International Bhd, a casino equipment supplier and distributor.
“Our financial performance is a clear reflection of PAGCOR’s renewed focus on governance, digital transformation, as well as sustainable and responsible gaming,” he added.
While the performance of PAGCOR-licensed operators continues to flourish, the future of the sector remains shrouded in uncertainty.
The Senate Committee on Games and Amusement is currently considering several bills that have called for a total ban on online gaming, citing the “silent epidemic” of gambling addiction in the Philippines.
However, industry leaders, including Tengco, have warned that a total ban will drive more players to the illegal operators and deprive the government of revenue.
Furthermore, as the sector seeks to restore stability, Keith McDonnell, Director at the KMI Group, previously underpinned the importance of lawmakers avoiding knee-jerk reactions.
McDonnell 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.
“Everyone knows an outright ban on [inland gaming operators] would drive things underground, leading to more social, economic and political problems.”
As a result of its financial success throughout 2025, PAGCOR’s contributions to nation-building increased by 11% to Php 59.6bn.
Of this total, two-thirds went to the National Government as mandated by Presidential Decree 1869. Meanwhile, the rest was split between taxes and various government funds and initiatives.
“Every peso that PAGCOR earns goes back to the people through classrooms, health facilities, disaster response programs, and other community projects,” explained Tengco.
“Our focus is to sustain this momentum while ensuring that the gaming industry continues to operate responsibly and contribute to national development.”
The progress of the respective bills stalled in September after reports emerged that embezzled flood project funds were used to gamble in casinos across the country, prompting a leadership shake-up in the Philippine Senate.
As a result, the bills have remained pending in the Committee since their submissions in July.
