Forecast and Insights
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has taken significant strides in recent times, demonstrating a commitment to responsible gaming and regulatory oversight.
In a bid to address concerns about the social impact of gambling promotions, PAGCOR has announced a series of initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of accountability and responsible gaming. These measures, which form part of a broader strategy, are designed to ensure that online gambling is regulated in line with public interest.
PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized this dual role, stating that the regulator is not only responsible for fostering industry growth but also for maintaining accountability.
One of the key initiatives involves advocating for responsible gaming only through legitimate online operations. PAGCOR also maintains strict regulatory supervision over land-based casinos and online gaming platforms, frequently inspecting establishments to ensure legal compliance.
In line with this, PAGCOR has enforced policies such as the Player Exclusion program, which aims to promote responsible gambling.
In a proactive move, PAGCOR has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ad Standards Council (ASC) to regulate and pre-screen gambling advertisements across all media platforms. This collaboration has led to the removal of gambling ads during primetime TV slots and in public spaces, ensuring ads comply with standards that protect consumers, especially minors and vulnerable groups.
PAGCOR's efforts in this area are not limited to the digital sphere. The corporation has also provided PHP 30 million in relief efforts for communities affected by monsoon flooding in Manila, signaling a role in disaster response and community support.
The regulator's emphasis on accountability and responsible gaming aligns with international regulatory best practices.
In the first half of 2025, PAGCOR reported a significant 26% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), totaling PHP 214.75 billion. Electronic games, including e-games, e-bingo, and bingo grantees, generated PHP 114.83 billion, accounting for 53.5% of the total GGR. Licensed casinos contributed PHP 93.36 billion or 43.5% of the total GGR. PAGCOR-operated casinos accounted for PHP 6.56 billion, representing 3.1% of the total GGR.
As PAGCOR moves forward, the challenge will be maintaining the balance between supporting the electronic gaming sector's development and enforcing effective regulatory frameworks that protect consumers and uphold social welfare.
Individual operators under PAGCOR’s regulatory umbrella, like DigiPlus Interactive Corp., have launched industry-first self-regulation features incorporating responsible gaming tools (time limits, loss caps, support resources) embedded within their platforms, along with awareness campaigns such as "Pusta de Peligro" to promote a responsible gaming culture.
In summary, PAGCOR’s recent steps encompass strengthened regulatory oversight, collaborative advertising controls to prevent misleading or harmful gambling promos, enforcement against unauthorized operators, and fostering responsible gaming culture through technology and awareness programs.
In an expansion of its initiatives, PAGCOR is exploring the use of technology to implement responsible gaming features in sports betting within the regulated industry. This could potentially include time limits, loss caps, and support resources to promote healthy gambling practices among users.
Embracing the concept of responsible gaming in sports, PAGCOR envisions technologies such as AI and machine learning to help monitor and prevent underage gambling, protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring the integrity of sports.
