Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR saw its total revenues decline by 5.1% to Php106.0 billion (US$1.80 billion) in 2025, impacted by a softening of the land-based casino sector and the ban on POGOs. This was somewhat offset by a surge in domestic online or eGames revenues, particularly in the first half of the year.
PAGCOR said revenues from gaming operations were slightly lower year-on-year at Php95.2 billion (US$1.62 billion. Other revenue streams, including interest earnings, income and service fees, contributed an additional Php10.9 billion (US$185 million).
The regulator said that more than half of PAGCOR’s gaming revenues, totalling Php53.3 billion (US$904 million), came from electronic and online gaming activities, including eGames, eBingo, and bingo grantees.
However, revenues from licensed casinos fell by 4.93% to Php31.4 billion (US$533 million) and from PAGCOR-operated casinos by 18.12% to Php10.4 billion (US$176 million).
“The decline in revenues from land-based casinos is largely driven by the gradual change in player behavior, with more customers opting for digital and online gaming platforms,” Tengco said. “This shift underscores the need for regulators to keep pace with how players engage with online gaming products.”
Tengco added that PAGCOR had responded to the challenge by strengthening its regulatory framework for online gaming to ensure player protection and responsible gaming practices.
“As digital gaming continues to grow, PAGCOR has implemented significant regulatory upgrades to protect players, promote transparency and ensure that online gaming operates within a secure and well-regulated environment,” he said.
As reported by IAG, PAGCOR’s efforts will soon include the submission of a position paper outlining its achievements in strengthening eGames regulations and calling on the central bank to allow e-wallet providers to again provide direct links to licensed eGames sites. This is seen as a critical means of providing clarity to players on which sites are safe to use.
Despite this, revenues from eBingo, eGames and Bingo grantees still rose by 9.30% to Php53.3 billion (US$904 million) in 2025, helping offset part of the decline in land-based gaming and providing stability to overall gaming revenues.
PAGCOR reported a 4.18% increase in net income to Php17.5 billion (US$297 million) while its total contributions to nation-building reached Php67.0 billion (US$1.14 billion), slightly lower than the Php68.2 billion (US$1.16 billion) in the previous year.
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