Gross gaming revenue in the Philippines could grow by as much as 17 percent this year, on a rise of electronic gaming and contributions from improving results at integrated resorts.
According to Reuters, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) head revealed the possible results on Wednesday, saying GGR could range between PHP450 billion and PHP480 billion ($7.77 billion-$8.3 billion) this year.
This would continue the upward trajectory seen in recent years, as the country emerges from the shadow of the pandemic and sees a rapidly accelerating eGaming industry.
Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR also indicated in his Wednesday statements that the possible legalization of casinos in Thailand would be a “big threat”, while also referring to the upcoming integrated resort in Japan (expected to open in 2030).
The Philippines has benefited from an earlier opening up process post-COVID, as well as a boom in its domestic market, even despite the downturn in revenues due to the banning of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) on January 1st, 2025.
While a possible casino in Thailand is only expected in 2029 at the earliest, regional gaming operators are understandably concerned about the potential drop in punters, especially as they go to explore new stomping grounds.
On a separate note, the PAGCOR Chairman also confirmed that the process of the privatization of its Casino Filipino assets is ongoing, with expectations to start potentially “next year”.
