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Philippines lawmaker seeks probe into online gambling’s social impact

Viviana Chan
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Philippines lawmaker seeks probe into online gambling’s social impact

Philippines representative Brian Poe filed a House resolution on Wednesday calling for an investigation into the growing social concerns surrounding online gambling and its impact on Filipino citizens, as the industry continues to generate massive revenues while raising alarm among officials and lawmakers.

According to the local media outlet Inquirer.net, the resolution seeks to address the proliferation of illegal and unregulated online gambling operations and aims to strengthen policies protecting citizens from harmful digital gambling activities. Poe emphasized the urgent need for scrutiny, citing reports of a sharp rise in gambling-related debt, family strife, school dropouts, and mental health issues linked to unregulated online platforms.

The Philippine gaming industry has experienced significant growth, reaching PHP410.47 billion ($7.3 billion) in gross gaming revenue in 2024, encompassing both domestic and offshore operations.

According to official data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the regulated sector contributed PHP372.33 billion ($6.6 billion)—a 30.52 percent increase from the previous year—driven largely by online gaming growth and steady land-based casino performance.

PAGCOR projects that gross gaming revenue from e-casinos could range from PHP450 billion ($8.0 billion) to PHP480 billion ($8.5 billion) by 2025, raising concerns about the implications of this rapidly expanding industry.

The resolution comes as the government moves to tighten oversight of online gambling. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signaled support for proposals to limit and tax online gambling, emphasizing the need to curb addiction and minimize social harm.

As previously reported by AGB, PAGCOR has also backed a regulatory approach, rejecting calls for a total ban. The agency argues that stricter regulation—rather than outright prohibition—would better protect the public while maintaining significant government revenue and job creation.

online gambling

Technology complicates monitoring efforts

The growing use of e-wallets, cryptocurrency wallets, and digital payment gateways has made online gambling more accessible than ever, complicating regulatory oversight and heightening risks for vulnerable groups. Reports from families, local authorities, and civil society organizations indicate a troubling rise in participation among minors and individuals from low-income communities, who are often drawn to unregulated platforms that evade age verification and lack basic consumer protections.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Philippines Central Bank), PAGCOR, and international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Health Organization, gambling addiction is a serious public health concern. The expansion of online gambling has been linked to increased rates of addiction and related social issues, including debt, family conflict, and mental health challenges.

In addition to these social costs, the proliferation of unlicensed or offshore online gambling operators undermines state revenue and facilitates organized crime and money laundering, offsetting potential economic gains. Poe’s resolution calls for a comprehensive review of the role played by financial institutions, e-wallet providers, internet service providers, digital platforms, and payment gateways in enabling and normalizing these gambling activities.

Hong Kong police arrest almost 60 people in illegal sports betting crackdown

Lawmakers propose alternative regulatory approaches

Meanwhile, lawmakers remain divided on the best approach to address online gambling concerns. First-term House members recently pushed for improved regulations rather than outright bans, with Negros Occidental Representative Javi Benitez noting that regulated online gambling generated over PHP200 billion ($3.6 billion) in revenues annually and supports more than 40,000 Filipino workers directly.

According to a reporte from GMA News, Benitez emphasized that gaming revenues fund essential public services including hospitals, schools, infrastructure projects, community programs, and social services. The online gaming platform DigiPlus reportedly paid PHP33.7 billion ($600 million) in taxes, demonstrating the revenue potential of regulated platforms.

Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon suggested implementing smarter regulatory policies, including physical cash-in requirements and raising minimum betting amounts to PHP10,000 ($178) or PHP20,000 ($356) to ensure bettors think twice about spending.

Legislative initiatives underway

On the legislative front, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri filed the proposed Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025 on Monday, seeking to mandate internet service providers, mobile network operators, and digital platforms to block access to gambling websites within 72 hours upon notice from the Department of Justice or PAGCOR.

At the House of Representatives, Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill 1351, known as the Kontra e-Sugal Act, which seeks to limit access to online gambling through various measures including strict age verification protocols, betting loss limits, and a national self-exclusion registry.

Singapore remains gold standard for Southeast East gaming development: Consultant

Nelson Moura
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Singapore remains gold standard for Southeast East gaming development: Consultant

As countries across Southeast Asia vie for a piece of the booming casino market, Aydemir Yuksel described in an opinion article shared with AGB that Singapore remains the gold standard.

Yuksel has over three decades in the casino industry, and has witnessed the evolution of gaming across Southeast Asia, cruise ships, Macau, and Singapore.

He has held management positions at iconic establishments like Marina Bay Sands and Venetian Macau, where he gained invaluable insights into gaming operations and management.

Marina Bay Sands, Las Vegas Sands(1)
Marina Bay Sands

For the former gaming executive with its two exclusive integrated resort licenses, Singapore is not just holding its ground but setting a benchmark that others struggle to achieve.

Meanwhile, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines face their own unique challenges in establishing competitive gaming landscapes, highlighting the complexities of the regional casino arms race.

As countries like Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines attempt to carve out their niches in the competitive gaming landscape, Singapore remains firmly at the top. Thailand dreams big but faces political hurdles that stall progress. “Bills get stuck, cabinets shuffle, and any momentum dies at the border”, Yuksel notes.

“You can’t grow a market by locking out your own population.”

online gambling
Aydemir Yuksel

Vietnam, too, has faced challenges. The country recently pulled back its pilot locals program, leaving the only legal casino, Corona Resort, out of commission. With an effective tax rate exceeding 35 percent, Yuksel emphasizes the difficulty in building investor confidence: “It’s hard to attract investment when the margins are so thin.”

South Korea, despite its impressive infrastructure, struggles with user access. Locals are largely banned from gaming venues. “Mohegan Inspire launched to great fanfare, but now it’s up for sale”, Yuksel points out. “Beautiful hardware doesn’t guarantee user engagement.”

In contrast, the Philippines is experiencing a remarkable surge. “Gross gaming revenue is soaring, and infrastructure is expanding rapidly in Manila, Clark, and Cebu”, Yuksel highlights. However, he notes a significant gap: “No major U.S. brand has established a presence. The trust premium still belongs to Singapore.”

Yuksel envisions a future where Singapore continues to lead without needing to compete aggressively.

“It doesn’t need to fight; it just needs to open the door. Granting two more integrated resort licenses with a ‘wow factor’ could redefine the landscape”, he suggests. “Imagine a Cirque du Soleil residency designed specifically for Singapore or a Fontainebleau-style showroom that elevates luxury nightlife.”

Marina Bay Sands

He believes Singapore doesn’t have to chase after Macau but can leapfrog it if it embraces evolution.

“The world will come if Singapore simply says yes to growth.”

In conclusion, Yuksel’s insights lay bare the challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Asia’s casino markets.

“Thailand needs guts, Vietnam needs consistency, South Korea needs access, and the Philippines could benefit from a marquee investor”, he summarizes. “For Singapore, the path is clear: it just needs to seize the moment.”

Hoiana Resort & Golf appoints new Executive Vice President of Gaming

Nelson Moura
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Hoiana Resort & Golf appoints new Executive Vice President of Gaming

Hoiana Resort & Golf has appointed David Jorden as Executive Vice President of Gaming.

Previously, Jorden served as Chief Marketing Officer at Newport World Resorts in Manila, being involved in marketing strategies and enhancing guest engagement.

His background also includes over six years at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, where he held the position of Vice President for Casino Marketing and Business Development.

Additionally, Jorden has held senior positions at Marina Bay Sands, where he led casino and resort loyalty programs, overseeing marketing, communications, and technology development.

Hoiana Resort & Golf is a $4 billion development project with over 1,200 hotel rooms spread across four luxury hotels. It also features an 18-hole golf course named as one of the Top 100 in the world.

The property recently appointed Alan Teo as its CEO, asking him to accelerate its Phase 2, encompassing a $1 billion investment, and with goals to develop 209 hectares and create 2,500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs over the next two years.

Macau revises down 2025 gaming tax revenue forecast by 5%

Viviana Chan
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Macau revises down 2025 gaming tax revenue forecast by 5%

The Legislative Assembly of Macau approved the 2025 fiscal budget amendment bill on Wednesday, July 9th, which includes a downward revision of the government’s income forecast from the city’s direct tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR).

According to an opinion document issued by a subcommittee of the Assembly, the government now expects to collect MOP79.8 billion ($9.87 billion) in direct gaming tax this year—5 percent lower than the previously forecasted MOP84.0 billion ($10.39 billion). The adjustment reflects the administration’s revised expectations for Macau’s gaming sector performance in 2025.

Macau officially refers to its 35 percent tax on GGR as the “special gaming tax.” The updated revenue projections are part of a broader budget amendment introduced by the government and examined by the Assembly’s subcommittee.

The downward adjustment follows a revised forecast for total GGR in 2025, announced on June 3rd. The government cut its GGR estimate to MOP228 billion ($28.20 billion) from the previously expected MOP240 billion ($29.69 billion), representing a similar 5 percent reduction.

The opinion document also noted revised projections for other gaming-related taxes. The city expects to generate MOP6.84 billion ($846 million) from the 3 percent levy on GGR, which funds urban development, tourism promotion, and social security. This figure also marks a 5 percent decrease from earlier estimates.

Meanwhile, forecasts for revenue from the 2 percent public fund levy on GGR and the tax on commissions paid by casinos to junket operators remain unchanged. The government continues to project MOP100 million ($12.37 million) in revenue from the junket commission tax for 2025.

MGM China positioned as largest market-share gainer in 2Q25: Citigroup

Viviana Chan
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MGM China positioned as largest market-share gainer in 2Q25: Citigroup

Macau gaming operator MGM China is expected to be the largest market-share gainer among Macau’s 6 casino operators in the 2Q25, according to a recent investment memo from Citigroup analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau. 

The gaming operator is projected to gain 0.9 percentage points quarter-over-quarter to reach approximately 16.8 percent market share during the period.

Galaxy Entertainment is expected to be the 2nd-largest market-share gainer, with an estimated increase of 0.6 percentage points quarter-over-quarter to reach 20.3 percent. In contrast, SJM Holdings is forecast to lose the most market share among the 6 operators, dropping 1.4 percentage points to 12.3 percent. The remaining 3 operators are expected to experience market share changes of less than 0.5 percentage points.

The analysis comes as Macau’s gaming sector continues to recover from previous disruptions. The region generated total gross gaming revenue of MOP61.12 billion ($7.58 billion) in the quarter, representing 8 percent year-over-year growth and 6 percent quarter-over-quarter growth. This marked the highest quarterly gross gaming revenue since reopening, reaching MOP672 million ($83.2 million) per day on average.

Despite the positive gross gaming revenue growth, industry EBITDA growth is expected to be more modest at 3 percent year-over-year, reaching $2.045 billion. The analysts attribute this discrepancy to an ‘unfavorable revenue mix’ caused by well-publicized concerts that attracted both Premium Mass players and direct VIP players. The increased VIP segment participation is expected to drive industry EBITDA margins down by 60 basis points to 27.3 percent.

Citigroup has opened 30-day upside catalyst watches on both Melco and Galaxy Entertainment, citing their expected strong year-over-year EBITDA improvements. Melco’s 2025 adjusted property EBITDA is forecast to increase 12 percent year-over-year to $338 million, attributed to the ‘early success from the reopening of House of Dancing Water at City of Dreams and its cost discipline.’

The analysts have raised target prices across their Macau coverage universe by an average of 9 percent, with Melco receiving the most significant increase from $8.60 to $11. Meanwhile, both Wynn Macau and Wynn Resorts were downgraded from Buy to Neutral ratings, as analysts expect Wynn to be a ‘near-term market share donor in Macau.’

Play’n GO to launch ‘The Green Knight Oath of Thorns’ on 24 July

AGBrief Editorial
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Play’n GO to launch ‘The Green Knight Oath of Thorns’ on 24 July

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has announced that this summer, a legend will be reborn with the release of The Green Knight Oath of Thorns, a title that revisits Arthurian lore with a darker twist.

When forest-born sorcery takes root, the familiar becomes fearsome – and even knights must tread carefully.

Players face a twisted new threat: the Thorn Creature. This beguiling entity brings danger and reward in equal measure. With signature escalating Multipliers and the introduction of Thorn Spins, this is a tale where every feature shapes the story.

Launching 24 July 2025, The Green Knight Oath of Thorns brings a new layer to Camelot’s mythos – and the curse that haunts it.

Game Information

  • The Green Knight Oath of Thorns is a 5-reel game with 20 fixed paylines.
  • The Sword Meter can apply Multipliers to all Wilds that land in any spin. The values of the Multipliers are: x2, x5, x10, x25, and x100. If the Wild is used in a win, then it will multiply the win by the value displayed on the Wild and Sword Meter display at the top of the reels. Wild wins with Multiplier are not cumulative on the same payline.
  • 3 or more Scatters will award 5 Free Spins, plus the respective Scatter payout as detailed in the paytable. All Wilds that land will be Multiplier Wilds. The Sword Meter will increase Multipliers with each spin starting from x2. The available Multipliers are x2, x5, x10, x25 and x100.
  • 2 or more Scatters in Free Spins will award 5 Thorn Spins, plus respective Scatter payout as detailed in the paytable. In Thorn Spins the Sword Meter value is locked-in on the triggering Free Spins’ number for the duration of Thorn Spins. 2-3 Guaranteed Multiplier Wilds will appear on the reels each spin during Thorn Spins, additional Multiplier Wilds are possible to land.
    • Scatters do not land in Thorn Spins, and Thorn Spins cannot be triggered again within Thorn Spins. After Thorn Spins finishes, Free Spins will continue, unless no further Free Spins are remaining.

Celestar strengthens sales force with Jacob Portelli appointment

AGBrief Editorial
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Celestar strengthens sales force with Jacob Portelli appointment

Celestar, the emerging slots provider, has appointed Jacob Portelli as Business Development Manager, as it takes further steps to boost its commercial footprint following its launch in June.

Celestar debuts with an extensive slot portfolio and MGA B2B license

Based in the iGaming hub of Malta, Portelli has over four years of experience across the gambling and payments industries, and will be responsible for expanding Celestar’s network of operators and aggregators.

The appointment follows the public launch of the company in June, where Celestar outlined its mission to stand apart with its wealth of proven slot games that explore a diverse array of themes.

Vassilis Trochalidis, CEO at Celestar, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jacob to the Celestar family. It is an incredibly exciting time for us as we start our journey and we are confident that Jacob will play a key role in our growth in the coming years.”

Jacob Portelli, Business Development Manager at Celestar, added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Celestar, which has all the ingredients to cause a real splash in the iGaming industry. It is a fantastic opportunity and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Push Gaming expands portfolio with Fish ‘n’ Nudge Big Catch release

AGBrief Editorial
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Push Gaming expands portfolio with Fish ‘n’ Nudge Big Catch release

B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming returns to the deep blue with Fish ‘n’ Nudge Big Catch, a reimagined follow-up to one of its most beloved recent titles.

Building on the charm and success of the original Fish ‘n’ Nudge, Big Catch brings fresh energy to the series with a new take on free spins and added layers of excitement designed to engage both loyal fans and new players. 

While retaining the iconic visuals and light-hearted theme that made Fish ‘n’ Nudge a standout, this release delves deeper beneath the surface to deliver more action and anticipation.

Among the new features are locking net symbols, which boost the chances of catching fish and can reel in extra free spins. The addition of individual reel multipliers, increased by the powerful boost symbol, creates the potential for significant wins, keeping each spin loaded with promise.

Crafted with Push Gaming’s signature focus on player-centric design, Fish ‘n’ Nudge Big Catch is a bold evolution of a proven favourite. It retains the approachable gameplay and visual charm of the original, while introducing dynamic mechanics that enhance engagement and replayability.

Jack Wood, Game Producer at Push Gaming, said: “With Fish ‘n’ Nudge Big Catch, we wanted to evolve a concept that players already love, while bringing something fresh to the experience. It’s all about building on what works, adding excitement through new mechanics, and keeping the gameplay feeling sharp and rewarding. This title exemplifies our approach to development by listening to players, refining proven features, and delivering content that’s both entertaining and effective for our partners.”

Star Brisbane delays poker championship as workers escalate strikes

Viviana Chan
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Star Brisbane delays poker championship as workers escalate strikes

The Star Brisbane has postponed its 2025 Brisbane Champs poker tournament series, originally scheduled to begin Friday, July 11th, due to anticipated industrial action by staff that could disrupt operations.

The embattled Star Entertainment Group announced Wednesday that the tournament, comprising 18 events across 12 days, would be delayed following ‘potential ongoing Protected Industrial Action in Brisbane, which could impact operations over the coming period.’

Star Brisbane Casino workers escalated their protected industrial action Wednesday night, staging a four-hour strike during the State of Origin decider, one of the busiest nights of the year. The high-stakes walkout followed Friday’s first-ever strike by Star Brisbane Casino workers and comes after Star management failed to return to negotiations with an improved offer.

Workers, represented by the United Workers Union, say they have been offered a real-wage cut and have seen no progress on key issues, including a cut to Sunday penalty rates. The union says workers are left with no choice but to increase pressure on management.

In a statement posted online, the company said delivering a world-class player experience remained its top priority. ‘Due to the potential disruption from industrial action, and in the interest of maintaining the high standards our players expect and deserve, we have made the difficult decision to delay the event,’ Star said.

The postponement represents another setback for Star Entertainment Group, which has been looking to offload The Star Brisbane to its Hong Kong partners Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium pending ongoing negotiations.

Players who secured seats in the Main Event through satellite tournaments will be contacted directly and issued cash payouts instead of their entries. Those who booked on-site hotel accommodation for the series can contact the company for refunds.

Star said new dates for the tournament would be confirmed and announced in the coming weeks, promising the rescheduled event would be “a massive Brisbane Champs.”

The company operates World Poker Tour events at its Sydney and Gold Coast casinos and runs a WSOP Circuit series at The Star Sydney each November. The Brisbane venue’s poker operations have now been disrupted by the broader industrial relations issues affecting the group.

Damian Quayle appointed COO of Solaire Resort North

Nelson Moura
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Damian Quayle appointed COO of Solaire Resort North

Former SJM Chief Gaming Officer Damian Quayle has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry’s new Solaire Resort North property.

Damian Quayle appointed COO of Solaire Resort North

Quayle has over 30 years of experience in the integrated resort, gaming, hospitality, and tourism sectors across Australia and Asia, and held various leadership roles, including a tenure as Chief Gaming Officer at SJM Resorts in Macau, where he oversaw gaming strategy, operations, and marketing across multiple casinos. He also served as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Gaming at LET Westside Integrated Resort in Manila.

He also has experience as a National Board Director representing the Australian accommodation industry further enhances his insight into diverse business models, governance, and consumer behavior.

Bloomberry Resorts Corporation officially opened its luxury development, the Solaire Resort North, in Quezon City on May 25th. The resort demonstrated strong performance across all segments in the first quarter of this year, generating GGR of PHP4.6 billion ($81.7 million) and boosting the results of Bloomberry in the Philippines.

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