PAGCOR aims to establish Philippines as ‘jurisdiction of credibility’
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco outlined what he called an “even more fundamental transformation” for the country’s gaming industry during his keynote address at G2E Asia @ the Philippines 2025. Speaking before regulators, operators, and global stakeholders, he said the Philippines must establish itself not only as a market of opportunity, but as a jurisdiction of credibility.
“Across the world, gaming jurisdictions are being reshaped by shifting consumer behaviour and rapid technological advancements,” Tengco said, noting that the Philippines is no exception. He said the industry had confronted severe headwinds, including reforms aimed at tightening financial safeguards for online gaming.
“This includes the ongoing transition towards stronger financial safeguards for legitimate online gaming operators, including the delinking of e-wallets and certain payment channels,” Tengco said. He added that the reform was introduced to improve traceability, reinforce anti-money laundering protections, and curb illicit financial activity.
Tengco acknowledged that the adjustment period has been felt across the market. “We understand that this can be a cause for concern because when an industry is expanding, any measure that disrupts momentum, even temporarily, can feel like a setback,” he said. He stressed, however, that the short-term dip was not a sign of failure but a necessary step towards long-term stability and greater investor confidence.
He highlighted the continued strength of the E-Games and E-Bingo segment, saying it remains the most dynamic performer in the industry, posting 17.4 percent growth in the third quarter of 2025. Still, he noted that by August and September, the revenues softened as operators recalibrated their systems and players adjusted to the new requirements.
Tengco reiterated that PAGCOR cannot build a modern digital gaming ecosystem on foundations that do not fully meet global integrity and compliance standards.
Reforms to protect players and strengthen compliance
Tengco cited measures implemented even before the e-wallet delinking, saying PAGCOR embarked on a series of reforms to balance responsible expansion with vigilance. Among these was the launch of the PAGCOR Guarantee Page, a platform that enables players to verify whether an online platform is legitimate instantly.
He said PAGCOR strengthened cooperation with enforcement agencies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify and shut down illegal sites to ensure the safety and integrity of the online environment. Responsible gaming was also expanded, with Tengco noting that PAGCOR now requires all licensed operators to integrate responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion and betting limits.
“We also partnered with foundations such as the Seagulls Flock Organization to establish a 24/7 helpline, train Responsible Gaming Ambassadors, and accredit rehabilitation centres,” he said, emphasising support mechanisms for those struggling with addiction.
PAGCOR also introduced stricter financial controls. “We have strengthened financial safeguards by prohibiting the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for betting,” Tengco stated. In advertising, he said collaboration with the Ad Standards Council resulted in the removal of gambling ads from public spaces and new rules ensuring advertisements are truthful and socially responsible.
Decoupling PAGCOR’s dual role
The centrepiece of Tengco’s keynote was structural reform aimed at ending PAGCOR’s dual mandate. He said that for decades, PAGCOR has been functioning both as a regulator and an operator, but that “the same institution cannot, and should not, serve as both referee and player in the same field.”
PAGCOR is undergoing a process to decouple its regulatory and casino-operating functions, calling it “a reform that is long overdue.” Tengco shared that the transition is now under review by the Governance Commission for GOCCs. Tengco emphasised that PAGCOR’s mandate under Presidential Decree 1869 and Republic Act 9487 must likewise be revisited and reframed.
“We must ensure that our employees are treated with dignity and fairness,” he said, adding that options include redeployment, absorption by privatised casino operators, or competitive retirement packages. Simultaneously, the PAGCOR Chief said that Casino Filipino properties are undergoing massive upgrades to prepare for a privatised era.
Future direction: A regulated and responsible Philippine market
Tengco described PAGCOR’s trajectory as “a Philippine gaming industry shaped by robust regulation, reinforced safeguards, and a clearly delineated institutional structure designed for long-term success.”
He urged operators to change how they view regulators. “Operators should see regulators not as obstacles, but as partners in sustainable growth,” he said, while stressing that “players should feel that their safety and well-being remain at the core of our policies.”
“We have the talent, resilience, creativity, and ambition to take our place among Asia’s leading gaming destinations,” Tengco concluded. “With your help and support, we can build a gaming landscape that is more competitive, more responsible, and more future-ready than ever before.”
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