The Philippines’ integrated resort casinos generated PHP93.36 billion ($1.64 billion) in gross gaming revenues in the first half of 2025, representing nearly half of the local gaming industry’s total revenues of PHP215 billion ($3.78 billion), according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
In the first quarter, licensed casinos—referring to integrated resorts—generated PHP49.28 billion ($889 million), accounting for 47.32 percent of the industry’s total gross gaming revenue.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco announced the figures during his welcome address at the Philippine Hotel Connect 2025 on July 24th, highlighting the sector’s continued contribution to the country’s tourism and economic growth. Of the total revenues generated by integrated resort casinos, PHP16 billion ($281 million) was paid to PAGCOR as license fees, directly funding government social services and supporting national economic development.
The PAGCOR chief emphasized that integrated resort casinos have played a crucial role in positioning the Philippines as a competitive tourism destination. These establishments have demonstrated their impact beyond revenue generation, contributing to employment creation, trade facilitation, and local enterprise revival both within and outside Metro Manila.
In addition to license fee payments, integrated resort casinos provide substantial funding support to key government institutions through their cultural foundations, benefiting the health, education, and military sectors. Tengco described these contributions as “concrete examples of how tourism, hospitality, and gaming – when aligned and responsibly managed – become a catalyst for national resilience and progress.”
Despite this strong industry performance, the success has prompted increased regulatory oversight. Tengco emphasized PAGCOR’s commitment to maintaining sustainable growth through effective regulation and responsible gaming practices. The agency has recently implemented stricter measures, including the removal of gambling advertisements from areas frequented by minors and establishing a memorandum of understanding with the Ad Standards Council for enhanced advertising guidelines.
“As the gaming industry expands, so must our safeguards,” Tengco said, noting PAGCOR’s firm stance against illegal and unregulated gaming operations that provide no player protection or government revenue.
The Philippine Hotel Connect 2025, organized by the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, brought together tourism and hospitality leaders to discuss industry collaboration, global tourism insights, and emerging market trends. The event provided a platform for Tengco to showcase the gaming sector’s economic contribution while addressing the industry’s commitment to responsible growth.
