Good morning. When wallets tighten, luck takes a back seat. The Philippines is facing a sharper gaming slowdown this year, with PAGCOR warning that GGR could fall by as much as 19 percent to $5.20 billion-$5.68 billion. Middle East tensions and the removal of e-wallet links have hit electronic gaming the hardest, while inflation is pushing lower-income players toward food, fuel, and bills rather than bets. Integrated resorts may still hold steadier ground, helped by tourist arrivals. Meanwhile, Macau’s gaming regulator is swatting down claims that electronic card shoes can be rigged by mobile apps, saying recent inspections found no irregularities.
What you need to know
- Philippine GGR could fall by up to 19 percent this year as tensions in the Middle East and e-wallet curbs hit demand for online gaming.
- DICJ rejected online allegations of rigged electronic card shoes, stressing Macau casino equipment is strictly regulated.
On the radar
- South Korea’s GKL May casino sales jump 40.8% to $28M.
- RGB earnings outlook improves on stronger EGM demand: analysts.
- Jumio says operators face rising pressure over World Cup age checks.
- DOT, Vietnam Airlines ink two-year deal to boost tourism links.
AGB Intelligence
PHILIPPINES
PAGCOR warns of softer gaming revenue in 2026
PAGCOR expects the Philippine gaming industry to post lower gross gaming revenue this year, potentially declining by up to 19 percent from 2025 levels. Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco cited weaker online gaming activity following e-wallet restrictions, pressure from the Middle East crisis, and tighter household budgets, while analysts noted that higher fuel, food, and utility costs are weighing on nonessential spending.
Industry Updates
- Aristocrat Gaming scores double win at the Global Gaming Awards Asia 2026.
- Sportradar secures official Wimbledon data and AV betting rights.
- Internet Vikings named Top Hosting & Cloud Infrastructure Provider.
Corporate Spotlight
How Crypto Adoption in Asia is Changing iGaming Payments
Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech, explores how surging crypto adoption across Asia is revolutionizing iGaming payments, stating: “When I look at what’s changing fastest in Asia, it’s payment behavior,” as wallets, stablecoins, and seamless cross-border transfers become deeply ingrained in player habits. The winning operators will be those that offer fast, reliable, and local deposits and withdrawals. To make sense of it, Yevhen breaks Asia into two crypto realities.
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