The Philippine gaming industry posted P94.51 billion in gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the third quarter of 2025, a slight dip from the P94.61 billion last year, as the industry adjusts to online reforms and tighter rules on digital payments.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) said the Electronic Games (E-Games) segment remained the strongest performer, rising 17.4 percent to P41.95 billion from P35.71 billion year on year.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco noted, however, that the E-Games growth was mainly due to strong July 2025 numbers as revenues in August and September declined following the mandatory delinking of e-wallets from legitimate gaming platforms.
“The figures reflect an industry that is adjusting to necessary safeguards,” he said in a news release on Tuesday.
“The delinking of e-wallets resulted in a short-term decline in activity toward the latter part of the quarter. However, these measures are vital to protect players and ensure secure, transparent transactions.”
He also cautioned that while legitimate operators strictly comply with the new rules, illegal online gaming sites continue to expand aggressively, putting players at risk.
“These unauthorized platforms do not follow responsible gaming standards, do not pay taxes, and put players at risk of data theft and fraud,” Tengco said.
“We urge the public to avoid illegal sites and to engage only with PAGCOR-licensed platforms.”
Outside of E-Games, all other gaming segments registered lower earnings during the third quarter.
PAGCOR-operated casinos recorded an 11.6 percent decline from P3.64 billion to P3.22 billion, while licensed casinos fell 10.2 percent from P50.72 billion to P45.56 billion. Bingo revenues, likewise, slid 16.2 percent from P4.52 billion to P3.79 billion.
In terms of GGR share, PAGCOR-operated gaming venues generated 3.4 percent of the GGR pie while licensed casinos brought in 48.2 percent. E-Games contributed 44.4 percent, and bingo operations accounted for 4 percent of GGR during the quarter under review.
Despite the downward trend in some gaming segments and adjustments in the online digital payment ecosystem, Tengco expressed confidence that the industry would regain momentum as players adapt to new e-wallet protocols, while authorities strengthen enforcement measures against illegal gambling portals.
PAGCOR PHOTO
