The Philippines Senate President, Francis Escudero, has called for a thorough review of the Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs) sector to determine whether these online gambling operations, which are easily accessible to many Filipinos, should continue.
According to local media outlet Inquirer.net, Escudero expressed concerns that PIGOs have remained under the radar due to the larger controversies surrounding Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Escudero noted that while PIGOs offer similar online gambling options, their clientele is primarily local. He warned that the social issues linked to POGOs could also apply to PIGOs, stressing the need for greater scrutiny of their impact on the local population. If PIGOs are found to be causing significant harm, particularly to financially vulnerable Filipinos, he suggested that the government should consider imposing a ban similar to the one on POGOs.
He also called the government’s approach to gambling inconsistent —banning POGOs, which cater to foreigners, while allowing PIGOs, which target locals. Escudero emphasized that it is Filipinos, not foreigners, whose financial well-being is at risk due to PIGOs. He further raised concerns that former POGO operators may be disguising their activities under PIGO licenses, warranting closer investigation.
In light of these concerns, Escudero urged the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to conduct a comprehensive and transparent review of PIGOs.
He acknowledged that while PAGCOR earns substantial revenue from PIGOs, it previously chose to forgo the lucrative POGO sector due to its social harm. He argued that if PIGOs prove similarly detrimental, they should face the same fate.
What are PIGOs?
Introduced in 2018, the PIGO license was designed to regulate and expand the country’s online gaming industry. This special license allows operators to offer casino games, sports betting, and other online gambling services to local players. PIGOs benefit from a streamlined application process, lower regulatory fees, and tax incentives. To qualify, companies must have at least 10 years of gaming industry experience and meet financial criteria, including a minimum capitalization of PHP100 million ($1.7 million).
Unlike traditional online gambling, PIGOs are connected to physical gaming machines or tables at land-based casinos rather than relying on server-based random number generators. This feature is why the industry is often referred to as “remote gambling.”
As of June 2023, PAGCOR reported 44 licensed PIGO operators in the Philippines, including Bloomberry Resorts, Travellers International Hotel Group, Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment, Bingo Plus, and Hann Philippines. These operators provide live dealer games, slots, and virtual gaming options to Filipino players.
Notably, eGames revenue has been a key driver of gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the country, with some eGames operating under PIGO licenses. According to PAGCOR, its 2024 revenue reached a record PHP112 billion ($1.92 billion), a nearly 41 percent increase from PHP79 billion ($1.35 billion) in 2023.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco has projected potential GGR growth of 17 percent in 2025, fueled by the rising popularity of electronic gaming and strong performance from integrated resorts. This growth could push total GGR to between PHP450 billion and PHP480 billion ($7.77 billion–$8.3 billion) this year.
