The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has underscored the significant contribution of the licensed online gaming sector to government revenues, while renewing warnings about the risks posed by unregulated operators.
PHP69 Billion Collected in Seven Months
In a report submitted to the House Committee on Games and Amusements, PAGCOR confirmed that the regulated online sector generated PHP69 billion (US$1.22 billion) in licence fees between January and July 2025. Of this, PHP41 billion came from electronic games, with PHP28 billion from other online formats.
Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco stated: “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, health care, and community development.”
He added that online gaming has become “one of the government’s biggest revenue drivers this year.”
Nation-Building Programmes and CSR Projects
According to PAGCOR, PHP27.47 billion of the total revenue in the first seven months of 2025 was directed to nation-building programmes. This included PHP14.72 billion allocated to the Universal Health Care Law. Other initiatives funded include the construction of public school buildings, socio-civic centres, wellness centres, and e-learning hubs.
Tengco emphasised the direct social benefits of regulated gaming: “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. This is how we ensure that gaming directly benefits Filipinos.”
PAGCOR noted that beyond infrastructure and healthcare, it remains one of the country’s largest contributors to corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, supporting disaster response and community development projects.
Warning Over Illegal Operators
Despite the strong revenue performance, Tengco issued a caution over the growing presence of illegal online operators targeting Filipino players. He warned: “These illegal sites not only deprive the government of much-needed revenues but also expose Filipino players to numerous risks.”
The regulator pledged stronger enforcement and regulatory oversight to curb unlicensed activity. “PAGCOR is committed to strengthening regulation and enforcement to ensure that only legitimate and properly monitored operators are allowed to operate,” Tengco said.
According to the regulator, sustaining a legal and controlled market ensures both continued revenues for the government and safer options for players seeking online gaming entertainment.
Source:
PAGCOR says online gaming boosts gov’t revenue, warns vs. illegal sites, pna.gov.ph, September 3, 2025