“Gambling and Betting Activities” was the largest employer in the Philippines “Arts, Entertainment and Recreation” sector in 2024, employing 38,125 individuals, indicates the most recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
According to a 2024 Annual Survey of the sector, released on 3 July, gambling and betting activities employed 49.2% of the total 77,554 workers in the sector, with 2,019 establishments – or 45% of the 4,482 establishments in the economic sector.
The gambling and betting activities industry group also paid the highest average annual compensation, at Php688,750 (US$11,193) per paid employee, significantly higher than the combined “Creative, arts and entertainment activities” segment – which saw annual compensation of Php538,870 (US$8,757).
The “Gambling and Betting Activities” group also generated the highest total revenue and incurred the highest expense, generating Php316.0 billion (US$5.13 billion) – or 87.3% of the total within the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation section. Total expense was calculated at Php267.9 billion (US$4.35 billion) – or 87.3% of the total.
Philippine gross gaming revenue (GGR) hit an all-time high in 2024, reaching Php372.33 billion (US$6.05 billion), a 30.52% year-on-year increase, according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Offshore gaming was banned at the end of 2024 but contributed Php38.1 billion (US$619.8 million) during the year, bringing total gaming industry GGR to Php410.5 billion (US$6.67 billion).
In 2024, GGR growth was largely driven by the E-Games and E-Bingo segment, which saw a 165.7% rise in GGR, to Php154.5 billion (US$2.51 billion) – accounting for 41.5% of the year’s total GGR. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco said at the time “The significant leap in E-Games and E-Bingo revenues shows that the industry is evolving rapidly, and PAGCOR is committed to ensuring that we keep pace with technological advancements while promoting responsible gaming.”
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