The Philippine gaming sector has demonstrated outstanding resilience and progress, posting a big 25% enhance in Gross Gaming Income (GGR) to Php410 billion in 2024, regardless of the stringent regulatory measures in opposition to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). This was highlighted by Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Company (PAGCOR), on the prestigious ASEAN Gaming Summit.
Strong progress throughout sectors:
The conventional brick-and-mortar casinos continued to play a vital function within the financial panorama, contributing Php201 billion to the GGR. Nonetheless, the standout performer was the digital gaming sector, which incorporates E-Video games and E-Bingo, witnessing a staggering 165% progress year-on-year, leading to Php154.51 billion in generated income.
This exponential progress in digital gaming might be largely attributed to PAGCOR’s strategic fiscal insurance policies, notably the discount of license charges. “Prior to now, the excessive license charges, starting from 50 to 55%, had been a deterrent to the enlargement of the e-games sector,” Mr. Tengco defined. Efficient January 1, 2025, these charges have been decreased to 30% of GGR, a transfer that has not solely facilitated the entry of unregistered operators into the regulated market but additionally bolstered the profitability of present operators.
The recalibration of price buildings is only one facet of PAGCOR’s broader technique aimed toward fostering a extra sustainable and ethically sound gaming business. “As we navigate away from offshore gaming, it’s crucial that the way forward for Philippine gaming pivots in direction of being extra technology-driven,” said Tengco in PAGCOR’s press launch. He emphasised the company’s unwavering dedication to stringent oversight, which is crucial to thwart unlawful gaming actions and uphold accountable gaming requirements.
Asia’s gaming panorama and future outlook:
The Philippines has ascended to turn into the second-largest gaming market in Asia, solely behind Macau. This achievement is especially noteworthy given the backdrop of the offshore gaming ban applied by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Mr. Tengco’s projections for 2025 are optimistic, with anticipated GGR figures ranging from Php450 billion to Php480 billion, spurred by ongoing improvements in digital gaming and enhanced performances at built-in resorts.
The proactive measures taken by the gaming sector have considerably contributed to the Philippines’ removing from the Monetary Motion Job Drive’s (FATF) “gray checklist” in February 2025. This delisting is a testomony to the nation’s profitable enhancement of its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing protocols.
The ASEAN Gaming Summit, orchestrated by Asia Gaming Transient on the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, stays a essential platform for business leaders to deliberate on tendencies, deal with challenges, and uncover new alternatives throughout the evolving gaming panorama of the area. “One of the best days of Philippine gaming are nonetheless forward of us,” Mr. Tengco remarked, signaling a optimistic and bold outlook for the way forward for the business.
