Three of the Philippines’ largest integrated resort operators have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to responsible gaming practices, as the country intensifies scrutiny of online gambling platforms.
Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts, and Okada Manila emphasized their adherence to strict regulatory compliance and ethical operations amid growing calls for tighter controls on digital gaming. The statement was reported by several local media outlets.
The announcement comes as the Philippines grapples with mounting concerns over online gambling’s societal impact, with politicians and public figures pushing for stricter regulations or outright bans. While the government has already prohibited Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that primarily served foreign clients and were linked to criminal activities, attention has now shifted to domestic online gambling platforms accessible to Filipino citizens.
“Our online gaming operations are a regulated and responsibly managed extension of our operations – designed to complement our primary offerings. We prioritize ethical business practices and promote responsible gaming under the robust regulation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR),” the three operators stated.
The integrated resorts emphasized their long-standing commitment to responsible gaming principles since their respective openings in 2009 (Newport), 2013 (Solaire), and 2016 (Okada). These principles have been extended to their online gaming platforms, reflecting a consistent dedication to regulatory compliance and ethical standards.
The operators highlighted their comprehensive compliance with PAGCOR regulations, including holding all required licenses and accreditations, and meeting stringent legal requirements for gaming operators and system administrators. They employ advanced geo-fencing and IP-filtering technologies to enforce PAGCOR’s geographic restrictions, effectively preventing player registration and betting from outside the Philippines.
Their platforms also adhere to anti-money laundering regulations through thorough Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures and player verification within 72 hours of registration. The operators actively promote responsible gaming through tools such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, and account restrictions. They also enforce strict age-gating systems and identity verification protocols to prevent minors from accessing their platforms.
Online gambling has generated substantial revenue for PAGCOR, with gross gaming revenues from e-games reaching PHP51.39 billion ($930 million) from January to May 2025 alone. However, this economic contribution is accompanied by growing concern over social costs, with online gambling increasingly cited as a driver of addiction, financial hardship, and family breakdowns.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has filed bills advocating for a total ban on all forms of online gambling, describing it as a “silent epidemic.” Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has proposed tighter regulations, including raising the minimum playing age, enhancing KYC checks, setting minimum bet amounts, and prohibiting celebrity endorsements.
The three operators stressed that all gaming equipment and games undergo rigorous evaluation and must receive approval from PAGCOR before deployment. Certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) are used to ensure fairness and transparency. Promotional materials are subject to thorough review and approval from both PAGCOR and the Advertising Standards Council.
Each operator has invested at least $1 billion to support the country’s tourism industry, offering comprehensive leisure experiences that include casinos, hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, live performances, and family entertainment. These developments have collectively created jobs for 130,905 Filipinos, with current employment standing at 25,939 direct and 5,049 indirect positions.
The operators also noted that their properties attract more than 2 million tourist visits annually, significantly contributing to local economic activity and the growth of the Philippine tourism sector. In line with regulatory mandates, the integrated resorts allocate 2 percent of their gross gaming revenues from non-junket tables to development projects supporting cultural heritage, education, and health initiatives.
