Good Morning. Death by 1,000 taxes. That’s the concern now for the online gaming industry in the Philippines, as the government is pondering increasing the levy on GGR for the sector by up to 10 percent. Experts warn that operators already pay one of the highest tax rates in the world, and an increase would likely push punters to the black market. Meanwhile, in Australia, the joint venture partners in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane are considering Crown Resorts as a potential replacement for The Star in the project, potentially smoothing over the casino license transition.
What you need to know
- Online gambling firms in the Philippines face steeper taxes, as the government eyes a 10% hike atop the current 38% levy on GGR.
- Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium in talks with Crown over potential Queen’s Wharf casino takeover.
On the radar
- MIXI Australia officially launches second takeover bid for PointsBet.
- DigiPlus shares drop amid calls for online gambling ban.
- The 13 Hotel buyer sells Singapore assets, eyes Macau: Report.
- Tourist arrivals to Japan reach all-time high of 21M in 1H25
AGB Intelligence
PHILIPPINES
Government ponders 10% additional GGR tax on online gaming
The Philippine government is eyeing a possible increase on the tax that online gaming firms pay on gross gaming revenue. An increase of up to 10 percent is a possibility, with experts warning that this could highly stifle an industry which already faxes some of the highest tax rates worldwide. Authorities, however, are under public pressure to be seen as doing something, however efforts appear to be targeting legal operators rather than eliminating illegal ones.
Corporate Spotlight
Why Asia’s iGaming operators must rethink risk strategy | SEON
Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud. Asia Pacific’s iGaming market is expanding extremely fast, and a new wave of digital-savvy players is pushing demand through the roof. But the rise in adoption has outpaced regulation in many markets, and fraudsters have taken notice.
Industry Updates
- Pole Position Performance series by GR8 Tech: the power of AI in iGaming.
- Fairspin levels up loyalty with personalized missions & exclusive rewards.
- Cricket Without Borders: 1xBet’s global study on IPL 2025’s fan impact.
INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS
