PAGCOR Vows Illegal Gambling Crackdown as Regulated Gambling Generates PHP69B

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has reaffirmed the crucial role of licensed digital gaming in funding national budgetary goals, while highlighting the dangers posed by unauthorized platforms.

Official data presented to the House Committee on Games and Amusements shows that regulated operators remitted PHP69 billion (US$1.2 billion) in licensing fees during the first seven months of 2025. Electronic games accounted for PHP41 billion of the total, while PHP28 billion came from online indulgences, such as e-bingo.

PAGCOR Chair Alejandro Tengco stated the sector now stands as “one of the government’s biggest revenue drivers,” applauding its fiscal reliability despite the consumer and financial risks caused by rogue operators.

Gaming Revenues Fund National Development

Licensed gaming operations contributed PHP27.47 billion to Philippine “nation-building” programs in the first seven months of 2025, with PHP14.72 billion directly funding the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law. Remaining allocations go to infrastructure projects, including school construction, socio-civic complexes, wellness facilities, and digital learning centers.

Chairman Tengco emphasized the tangible outcomes, telling local media, “Every peso we collect from the gaming sector translates to meaningful projects such as classrooms for our children, health programs for our people, and safe spaces for communities in times of calamity.” The regulator also disclosed that corporate social responsibility initiatives, from disaster response to community uplift programs, are rising alongside financial contributions.

Tengco framed online gaming’s expansion as critical to sustained progress, stating, “Because of its huge potential, online gaming has become an important source of funds for our nation-building commitments, including PAGCOR’s support for education, healthcare, and community development.”

Crackdown on Illegal Operators

Chairman Tengco issued stark warnings about unlicensed gaming platforms despite the regulated sector’s robust fiscal contributions. He emphasized that illicit operators bypass age restrictions and responsible gaming protocols, jeopardizing players and siphoning public funds. “These illegal sites not only deprive the government of much-needed revenues but also expose Filipino players to numerous risks,” he stated.

Tengco announced heightened surveillance and the consideration of stricter penalties to dismantle unauthorized operations. “PAGCOR is committed to strengthening regulation and enforcement to ensure that only legitimate and properly monitored operators are allowed to operate.”

Regulatory Pushback for More Growth

PAGCOR’s support for licensed gaming emerges as legislators propose stricter industry curbs and the central bank orders digital wallets to block gambling transactions. Critics cite social dangers, but the regulator argues its oversight ensures safer play while channeling revenue for public initiatives. Tengco stressed that preserving the legal framework delivers community benefits, even as unauthorized platforms threaten to undermine progress.