The Philippine gaming market remained largely stable in the third quarter of 2025, recording total gross gaming revenues (GGR) of ₱94.51 billion. This figure was nearly unchanged from the ₱94.61 billion posted a year earlier, as the sector adapted to regulatory changes targeting online transactions and digital payment systems.
According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the modest year-on-year movement underscores the industry’s ongoing transition under new online gaming reforms and enhanced oversight on electronic wallets. The third-quarter total also represented a 14.6 percent decline from the previous quarter’s record ₱110.63 billion, reflecting the cooling effect of these adjustments on overall gaming activity.
E-Games Lead Growth Despite Regulatory Strain
Among the major segments, Electronic Games (E-Games) once again emerged as the strongest performer, climbing 17.4 percent to ₱41.95 billion from ₱35.71 billion in the same period last year. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco explained that this growth was largely driven by a strong July, before new restrictions caused revenues to weaken in the latter part of the quarter.
“The figures reflect an industry that is adjusting to necessary safeguards,” Tengco said in a statement cited by Philippine News Agency. “The delinking of e-wallets resulted in a short-term decline in activity toward the latter part of the quarter. However, these measures are vital to protect players and ensure secure, transparent transactions.”
The mandatory disconnection of e-wallets from legitimate gaming platforms, ordered by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, was introduced to tighten consumer protections and curb risks linked to illicit gaming operations. While the measure led to a notable slowdown in August and September, regulators emphasized its importance for long-term market integrity.
Land-Based Casinos and Bingo Decline
In contrast to the online sector’s resilience, land-based gaming operations posted weaker results during the July–September period. Licensed commercial casinos brought in ₱45.56 billion in GGR, down 10.2 percent from the previous year. PAGCOR-operated casinos under the Casino Filipino network recorded ₱3.22 billion, representing an 11.6 percent year-on-year decline.
The downturn in traditional venues has been attributed to fewer high-rolling VIP players, reduced foreign visitation—particularly from South Korea and China—and the lingering impact of the government’s ban on offshore gaming operators.
Bingo operations also faced headwinds, falling 16.2 percent to ₱3.79 billion from ₱4.52 billion a year ago.
In terms of GGR composition, licensed casinos accounted for 48.2 percent of total revenues, E-Games contributed 44.4 percent, PAGCOR-run venues represented 3.4 percent, and bingo made up the remaining 4 percent.
Industry Adapts to Digital Safeguards
Despite the short-term decline in some categories, Tengco expressed confidence that the market would recover as both players and operators adjust to the new digital framework. He emphasized that legitimate gaming entities continue to comply with enhanced payment protocols and consumer protection standards.
At the same time, Tengco warned that unregulated online gaming sites remain a threat to both players and the industry’s reputation. “These unauthorized platforms do not follow responsible gaming standards, do not pay taxes, and put players at risk of data theft and fraud,” he said. “We urge the public to avoid illegal sites and to engage only with PAGCOR-licensed platforms.”
Lawmakers have also intensified discussions around the online gambling landscape. In August, the Philippine Senate began reviewing proposals to impose tighter restrictions, with some bills even calling for a total ban on certain online gaming activities. PAGCOR acknowledged in October that its income had dropped sharply since the delinking order, though the regulator stressed that the reforms were necessary to maintain transparency and player safety.
