The Philippines’ regulator, PAGCOR, has been commended by the Department of Finance (DOF) for its financial contributions to the government.
In particular, the DOF noted that the National Treasury received PHP12.7bn (£163.2m) in dividends from the regulator in 2024.
The latest figures place PAGCOR as the third-highest contributor of all Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), behind the Landbank of the Philippines (PHP33.5bn) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (PHP18.9bn).
“As a GOCC, we take pride in being a reliable partner of the Department of Finance in strengthening our country’s fiscal position and supporting programs that uplift lives and sustain growth,” said PAGCOR’s Chair and CEO, Alejandro Tengco.
Earlier this year, PAGCOR reported earnings of PHP59bn (£765.2m) off the back of gross gaming revenues of PHP214.8bn in the first half of 2025, up 14% from the same period last year.
Of the GGR reported by PAGCOR, electronic games – comprising E-Games, E-Bingo and Bingo grantees – contributed PHP114.83bn, 53.47% of total GGR.
Off the back of these earnings, PAGCOR’s contributions to ‘nation-building’ rose to PHP38.1bn, up 20% year-on-year.
“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.
Online gaming remains under a cloud
The future prospects of the Philippines’ regulated online gaming market still remain undecided as Senators continue to discuss the merits of a number of bills that seek to impose stricter regulations, or, in the case of the Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025, outright ban the sector.
As a result, PAGCOR’s leader has been forced to defend the regulated market and extoll the economic benefits of gaming for the country.
He has also warned that a total ban would drive more players to the Philippines’ significant black market.
“PAGCOR is committed to strengthening regulation and enforcement to ensure that only legitimate and properly monitored operators are allowed to operate,” said Tengco, speaking at a symposium hosted by Light and Wonder.
“These illegal sites not only deprive the government of much-needed revenues but also expose Filipino players to numerous risks.”
Earlier this month, authorities in the Philippines began a major crackdown on illegal online gambling.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) identified over 1000 unlicensed gambling websites. Digital Pinoy, a civil society partner, also reported 627 gambling-related URLs submitted by partner organisations.
In recognition of the extent of the Philippines’ illegal gambling sector, PAGCOR has committed PHP50m to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to help fight back against the black market.
