Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR reported a 15.9% year-on-year decline in industry-wide gross gaming revenue to Php87.6 billion (US$1.42 billion) in 1Q26, mainly on the more subdued performance in the E-Games sector due to new regulations imposed in the second half of 2025.
In a weekend announcement, the regulator explained that the electronic gaming sector – including E-Games, E-Bingo, bingo and poker – posted a combined 22.4% year-on-year decline in GGR to Php39.9 billion (US$647 million) during the January to March period.
This saw licensed casinos, which lost their mantle as the local industry’s largest revenue contributor in 2025, regained the title with GGR of Php44.5 billion (US$722 million) accounting for 50.8% of the total. E-Games comprised 45.6% of the GGR pie, with PAGCOR-operated casinos contributing Php3.17 billion (US$51.4 million), accounting for 3.62% of GGR.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the gaming industry’s first quarter performance reflected the impact of economic headwinds and evolving market conditions.
“We attribute the first quarter dip to several factors, including softer discretionary spending amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising inflationary pressures,” Tengco said.
“We remain hopeful that once the geopolitical tensions stabilize, consumer confidence and discretionary spending will also gradually recover, which should help support improved industry performance.”
RelatedPosts
