PAGCOR reinforces industry’s economic role while tightening advertising standards
Integrated Resorts Drive Major Gaming Revenue Growth
The Philippine gaming industry continues to deliver robust economic contributions, with integrated resort (IR) casinos accounting for Php 93.36 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the first half of 2025. This figure, announced by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), represents nearly 43.4% of the total national gaming GGR of Php 215 billion for the same period.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, speaking at the Philippine Hotel Connect 2025 conference, attributed this growth to the vital role IR casinos play in both tourism resurgence and fiscal recovery following the pandemic’s impact.
Tengco reaffirmed that these venues are not merely entertainment hubs but also engines of national development, stating, “A thriving hospitality sector can drive employment, fuel trade, revive local enterprises and bridge communities.”
License Fees Support National Development
The gaming windfall is not limited to commercial profits. PAGCOR collected Php 16 billion in license fees from these IR operators during H1 2025. These funds directly support essential government services, including healthcare, education, and military programs, underscoring the state’s dual role as regulator and revenue recipient.
This symbiotic relationship highlights how gaming activity—when responsibly managed—can generate tangible socio-economic benefits. The IRs in and beyond Metro Manila continue to attract international and local tourists, adding substantial value to auxiliary industries such as hospitality, retail, transport, and real estate.
Focus on Responsible Growth: Advertising Clampdown
Despite the sector’s economic success, PAGCOR has emphasized the importance of responsible gambling promotion. In July, the regulator ordered all gambling-related advertisements removed from public spaces. Casino operators and other licensees have until 15 August 2025 to comply with the mandate, which includes billboards, buses, and digital transit displays.
This move coincides with a broader strategy to tighten regulatory oversight of gambling marketing, particularly amid rising public concerns over youth exposure to gambling content. PAGCOR has formalized a regulatory partnership with the Ad Standards Council (ASC) to require mandatory pre-screenings of gambling advertisements across all media platforms. This policy aims to ensure that messaging remains socially responsible and compliant with ethical standards.
A Model for Sustainable Gaming Regulation
The Philippines is increasingly seen as a regional model for regulated gaming, striking a balance between economic gain and consumer protection. PAGCOR’s dual role as both regulator and operator places it in a unique position to lead with accountability.
Looking ahead, the authority’s emphasis on regulatory evolution, public welfare, and ethical promotion is poised to ensure the country’s gaming sector continues to thrive, not just financially, but socially. As Tengco noted, sustainable growth will only be possible if the industry remains aligned with national priorities and mindful of its societal impact.
