The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) recently released data showing that the total gaming revenue (GGR) for the first half of 2025 reached 215 billion pesos, with integrated resort casinos contributing up to 93.36 billion pesos, accounting for about half. These casinos also brought about 16 billion pesos in license fee revenue to the national treasury, used to support government social services and economic development projects.
At the "Philippine Hotel Connection 2025" conference held on July 24, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco stated that this achievement highlights the core position of the casino industry in the national economy. "From driving employment and trade recovery to enhancing tourism attractiveness, the role of integrated resort casinos is significant, especially in Metro Manila and its surrounding areas, contributing notably to the local economic recovery."
Despite the strong performance of the gaming industry in driving the economy, Tengco also emphasized that industry expansion needs to go hand in hand with regulation. He mentioned that PAGCOR has recently strengthened the management of advertising, banning gambling advertisements in public places frequently visited by minors, and has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Advertising Standards Council to enhance the advertising review mechanism. "We must ensure that gambling activities are safe and responsible, which is not only the cornerstone of the industry's healthy development but also a guarantee of public trust."
Meanwhile, PAGCOR is intensifying efforts to combat illegal and unregulated gambling activities, which lack player protection and contribute nothing to national finances. Tengco pointed out that illegal gambling undermines fair competition and poses a threat to the regular industry, calling for continuous collaboration between the government, law enforcement units, and private enterprises to maintain industry order.
Facing the controversy of "anti-gambling" and social public opinion pressure, the Philippine government is seeking a balance between regulation and development while promoting tourism and economic growth. Tengco concluded, "The gambling industry must become a responsible and sustainable economic driver. Only under a strict regulatory framework can it truly bring long-term benefits to the Filipino people."
