The Philippines’ gaming regulator (PAGCOR) says that gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the third quarter fell by 0.1 percent, despite a rise in the contribution from the e-Games segment.
According to results released on Tuesday, total GGR for the Philippine gaming industry during the period was PHP94.61 billion.
Regarding the growing electronic games segment, revenue increased by some 17.4 percent, to PHP41.95 billion. However, the Chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) noted that this was largely driven by strong results in July which tapered off in August and September due to the mandatory delinking of e-wallets from legitimate gaming platforms.
Cleaning up the industry
“The delinking of e-wallets resulted in a short-term decline in activity toward the latter part of the quarter,” stated Alejandro H. Tengco. The executive furthered that “these measures are vital to protect players and ensure secure, transparent transactions.”
Tengco has been a strong proponent of keeping the online sector alive, but has faced increased political pressure which has also resulted in PAGCOR upping the ante to eliminate illegal online operators.
“These unauthorized platforms do not follow responsible gaming standards, do not pay taxes, and put players at risk of data theft and fraud,” noted Tengco.
The executive urged the public to avoid any illegal sites and only engage “with PAGCOR-licensed platforms”.
Casino revenue drops in 3Q25
Looking beyond e-Games, figures were not spectacular, with licensed casino revenue falling by some 10.2 percent, to PHP50.72 billion. Regarding PAGCOR’s self-operated casinos, under the Casino Filipino brand, revenue was down by 11. 6 percent, to PHP3.22 billion.
The Casino Filipino properties in total brought in some 3.4 percent of the overall GGR during the period, with licensed casinos accounting for 48.2 percent.
Bingo revenues also slid during the quarter, down by some 16.2 percent yearly, to PHP3.79 billion.
Optimism despite the downturn
While the results did indicate a downward trend, PAGCOR’s Chairman was upbeat about the future possibilities of the industry, highlighting how punters are adapting to the new rules regarding e-wallets.
He also indicated that authorities are strengthening enforcement actions to weed out illegal gambling operators, helping boost operations for legitimate operators within the space.
“The figures reflect an industry that is adjusting to necessary safeguards,” noted the executive.
