With 10+ years in tech, crypto, gaming, and finance, Raz has written across a multitude of platforms, covering both crypto and gambling news. He specializes in content on iGaming, sports betting, and crypto trends, particularly...
Read Full BioThe gaming industry in the Philippines saw a strong start to the year, accumulating Php104.12 billion in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in Q1 2025.
The figure represents an increase of 27.44% compared to the same period last year. The regulator also highlighted Q125 as pivotal in the country’s gambling ecosystem, with electronic gaming becoming the primary revenue driver for the first time.
Alejandro H. Tengco, the CEO and Chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), said: “The E-Games and E-Bingo segment made history by becoming the industry’s top revenue driver for the first time, contributing Php51.39 billion or 49.36% of the total first quarter GGR.”
Consumer Shift Drives Philippines Gaming Surge
He added that this is not just revenue growth but a representation of how consumer behavior continues to shift towards digital, on-demand gaming experiences. The CEO attributes the acceleration in channel shift to broader access to mobile technology.”
The CEO also highlighted that the gaming industry’s rise has significantly reshaped the Filipino gaming landscape.
Tengco explained that digital platforms are taking center stage as the Philippine gaming industry is paradigm-shifting. “Hence, our goal as a regulator is to strike the right balance between innovation, player protection, and long-term industry sustainability,” he added.
PAGCOR’s report notes that licensed casinos generated Php49.28 billion, accounting for 47.32% of the industry’s total. Due to growing digital competition, revenues from licensed casinos dipped slightly in 2024.
“The performance of brick-and-mortar casinos remains critical to industry stability, particularly in tourism-driven hubs such as Entertainment City and Clark,” the Chairman said.
PAGCOR Continues Its Transition
The report also mentions that PAGCOR-operated casinos generated Php3.45 billion in revenues, claiming 3.31% of the market share.
A year ago, PAGCOR’s report for Q1 2024 also marked a considerable increase in income, which went up by over 42% from 2023. The regulator declared total revenue of Php25.24 billion, and Tengco outlined that the corporation was on track to reach Php100 billion in annual income for the first time in its 40-year history.
PAGCOR was also transitioning to become solely a gambling regulatory agency, moving away from its dual role as a regulator and an operator. Its goal was to complete the transition by 2025.
