The Chairman and CEO of Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR has reiterated the agency’s support for a legal and regulated online gambling industry, warning that recent moves to implement a total ban won’t halt the rapid growth of technology around the country.
Speaking at an iGaming Symposium hosted by leading supplier Light & Wonder in Manila on Monday, Alejandro Tengco also outlined a raft of key initiatives PAGCOR is rolling out to enhance player protections in the online space, including a new AI tool that can rapidly detect illegal sites and a 24/7 helpline for individuals experiencing gambling harm.
As reported by IAG, the Philippines’ eGames sector has in recent times emerged as the dominant contributor to gaming revenues nationwide, generating US$1.2 billion in GGR in the first seven months of 2025 alone to outpace the contribution of the traditional land-based sector.
PAGCOR’s income during the first six months of the year also grew by 14% year-on-year to around Php59 billion (US$1.04 billion) of which Php35.5 billion (US$625 million) or 60% was contributed by eGames.
Such gains, Tengco said on Monday, “underscore the vast potential of the online gaming sector” but more importantly highlight the shift from land-based to digital gaming and a reshaping of consumer behavior.
“Equally significant is the rapid expansion of mobile and internet penetration, with the Philippines recording 142 million mobile connections and nearly 100 million internet users at the beginning of 2025.
“I always say that the advances in technology today have really caught everybody flat-footed … [but] the reality is clear. Technology and internet access can never be rolled back. Our best safeguard is to provide regulated, legal alternatives for those who want to play online.
“I’m sure you’re all aware of the call coming from most legislators for stricter regulations and even, to some extent, an outright ban on online gaming. Where does PAGCOR stand in all of this? PAGCOR is for stricter regulation and not for a total ban. A ban would cost government billions in revenues, eliminate thousands of jobs, and leave consumers defenseless against illegal operations.”
On PAGCOR’s role in policing the sector, Tengco noted that “with opportunity comes responsibility. While online gaming offers significant economic benefits, we must never lose sight of our foremost obligation – protecting our people.
“We at PAGCOR are the first to recognize that revenues can never outweigh the risk of problem gambling and its social cost.
“Today is a pivotal role and pivotal time for all of us. Together with our industry partners, we aim to assure policymakers that online gaming can be responsibly managed and can contribute to growth while ensuring an important facet which is public welfare.”
Noting that PAGCOR has already implemented stricter advertising standards upon the domestic online gaming sector in partnership with the Ad Standards Council while simultaneously working on an updated Responsible Gaming Code of Practice and a stronger national database of restricted persons, Tengco also outlined the agency’s latest initiatives which include development of a new AI tool for detecting unlicensed operations.
Although still in the testing mode, the tool will soon be officially announced as being able to identify one illegal online gambling website every second.
A 24/7 helpline is also close to fruition alongside a new marketing slogal, revising the existing “Game responsibly, keep it fun” tagline to “Gambling can be addictive, know when to stop”.
“Today, the Philippine gaming story is no longer just about exponential growth – it is about responsible, sustainable and transparent growth,” Tengco said.
“We are looking beyond the numbers. What is important for PAGCOR is to make sure that all our gaming patrons are protected.
“If we align innovation and responsibility, compliance and trust, we can build an industry that can thrive for decades; an industry that earns the confidence of our players, our policymakers and the entire global community.”
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