Philippine iGaming Grows 26 Percent in H1 2025

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has released its gross gaming revenue (GGR) figures for the first half of 2025, showing a significant 26% year-on-year increase to PHP 214.75 billion (approximately $3.74 billion). This growth underscores the expanding footprint of the gaming sector in the country, with electronic games emerging as the dominant contributor.

Electronic games, which encompass e-games, e-bingo, and bingo grantees, generated PHP 114.83 billion, accounting for 53.5% of total gaming revenue. This marks a clear majority share, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and possibly the increasing accessibility of digital gaming formats. Licensed casinos followed, contributing PHP 93.36 billion or 43.5% of the total GGR. Meanwhile, PAGCOR-operated
casinos accounted for the remaining PHP 6.56 billion, representing 3.1%.

Developments

PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized the regulator’s dual role in fostering industry growth while maintaining accountability. “PAGCOR recognises the earning potential of the e-games sector, but as the country’s gaming regulator, our foremost responsibility is to ensure that growth comes with accountability,” Tengco stated. He further highlighted the agency’s commitment to balancing industry expansion with responsible gaming standards, framing PAGCOR as a government partner in national development rather than solely a revenue collector.

Beyond revenue reporting, PAGCOR announced recent initiatives targeting social responsibility and regulatory oversight. Earlier in the week, the agency provided PHP 30 million in relief efforts for communities affected by monsoon flooding in Manila, signaling a role in disaster response and community support.

In regulatory developments, PAGCOR signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ad Standards Council (ASC) to strengthen monitoring of gambling advertisements. This collaboration has already led to the removal of gambling ads during primetime TV slots and in public spaces. Tengco noted that these measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure online gambling is regulated in line with public interest, addressing concerns about the social impact of gambling promotions.

Our foremost responsibility is to ensure that growth comes with accountability, balancing industry expansion with responsible gaming standards.

Outlook and Analysis

The surge in electronic gaming revenue reflects broader global trends favoring digital gambling platforms, driven by convenience, technological advances, and evolving consumer habits. PAGCOR’s revenue data confirms that electronic games have become the primary growth engine in the Philippines’ gaming industry, outpacing traditional casino operations.

However, PAGCOR’s statements underscore a cautious approach to this rapid expansion. The emphasis on accountability and responsible gaming aligns with international regulatory best practices, recognizing the risks of problem gambling and the need for oversight amid increased market penetration. The cooperation with the ASC signals PAGCOR’s proactive stance in managing the advertising landscape, an area often criticized for targeting vulnerable populations. By enforcing stricter ad controls, the regulator aims to mitigate the social harms associated with gambling promotion while preserving industry growth.

The agency’s disaster relief contribution also reflects an effort to project social responsibility, enhancing its public image beyond revenue generation. This may serve to balance public concerns about gambling’s societal impact, particularly in a country where the sector’s rapid growth has drawn scrutiny. Moving forward, PAGCOR’s challenge will be maintaining this balance: supporting the lucrative electronic gaming sector’s development while enforcing effective regulatory frameworks that protect consumers and uphold social welfare.