PAGCOR chief backs stricter rules over iGaming ban
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco has reiterated that the solution to challenges posed by the rapid growth of online gambling is tighter regulation rather than prohibition.
Speaking at the Light & Wonder iGaming Symposium at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City on Monday, Tengco argued that a ban would only push gambling underground and deprive the government of vital revenues. “The iGaming story in the Philippines is no longer just about growth; it’s about how we grow — safely, fairly, and sustainably,” Tengco said. “We support stricter regulations to protect our people, but we are against a total ban, which will only drive players to illegal operators and result in loss of revenues and jobs.”
Electronic gaming revenues surpass land-based casinos
According to PAGCOR data, gross gaming revenues (GGR) from electronic games rose from PHP58.16 billion ($1 billion) in 2023 to PHP154.51 billion ($2.72 billion) in 2024. The figure accounted for almost half of the total industry GGR of PHP372.33 billion ($6.6 billion) last year. In the first half of 2025 alone, electronic games generated PHP114.83 billion ($2 billion), overtaking revenues from land-based operations and lifting PAGCOR’s total revenues to PHP59 billion ($1.03 billion).
Tengco attributed this performance to reforms introduced by the regulator, including adjustments in licence fee rates.
PAGCOR reforms and responsible gaming measures
The PAGCOR chief stressed that reforms remain at the core of the agency’s strategy. He said that these include the separation of regulatory and operational functions, stricter advertising standards, stronger responsible gaming safeguards, as well as the deployment of digital monitoring tools such as the PAGCOR Guarantee portal and AI-based systems.
He also revealed plans to launch a 24/7 helpline for players and called on operators to adopt a “compliance by design” approach in their businesses. “With responsible growth, compliance, and transparency, the Philippines can develop a safer, stronger, and globally competitive iGaming industry,” he said.
Citizens urged to report illegal iGaming sites
Alongside regulatory reforms, civil society is also stepping in to combat unlawful operators. Last week, Digital Pinoys, a non-profit organisation, launched a reporting platform allowing the public to flag illegal gambling websites, advertisements, and promoters.
Ronald Gustilo, National Campaigner of Digital Pinoys, told SiGMA News that the public can report a wide range of illegal online gambling activities. The initiative uses a two-step verification process. The Digital Pinoys team first checks reports against PAGCOR’s list of licensed operators and then verifies them through the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). Confirmed cases are forwarded to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), which can order internet providers to block access.
Anonymity is guaranteed for those who submit reports. Gustilo said that the group made anonymity a priority. Only a very limited number of authorised people have access to the reporting database.
He added that the initiative seeks not only to disrupt illegal gambling but also to safeguard communities. “This initiative is not just about blocking illegal gambling—it’s about building a safer digital environment. By empowering citizens to report and by ensuring that government agencies act on these reports, we aim to restore trust in the online space. In the long run, this protects vulnerable groups like the youth and senior citizens, who are often the targets of predatory gambling operators.”
