Who Is PAGCOR?
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is the state-owned regulator overseeing the country’s gaming industry. It both regulates and operates gaming establishments, including land-based casinos, electronic games (e-games), and emerging online platforms.
The Rise of Online Gaming
- In 2023, PAGCOR’s electronic gaming sector—comprising e-games, e-bingo, specialty games, and sports betting—recorded an astounding 92% year-on-year increase, contributing ₱58.16 billion to gross gaming revenues (GGR) G3 Newswire.
- In Q1 2024, total GGR reached ₱81.7 billion, with e‑games alone delivering ₱22.5 billion, marking a sixfold increase from the previous year Pagcor.
- Revenues more than tripled in the first half of 2024 to ₱63.01 billion, a 208% increase—a “domestic-driven” boom Manila Bulletin.
- By H1 2025, iGaming alone accounted for 53.5% of PAGCOR’s GGR, totaling ₱114.8 billion, eclipsing traditional casinos and integrated resorts, which contributed ₱93.4 billion InterGame.
- Q1 2025 saw PAGCOR post net earnings of ₱4.22 billion, a 23% rise, underpinned e‑games and e‑bingo making up 56% of revenue iGaming Times.
This growth underscores a clear trend: online gaming is overtaking brick-and-mortar casinos, propelled convenience and shifting consumer behavior PhilstarInterGame.
PAGCOR’s Own Online Casino: A Vision for the Future
PAGCOR is developing its own online casino platform, CasinoFilipino.com, scheduled for launch in early 2024. This innovative site aims to integrate virtual reality (VR) to simulate an immersive casino experience from home Casino.org.
They anticipate this initiative will:
- Boost revenue
- Expand market reach
- Foster healthier competition within the gaming sector Philstar
Regulatory Reforms & Incentives
To promote a safer and more inclusive legal market, PAGCOR has taken steps to lower regulatory barriers:
- The e‑games licensing fee cut from 50% in 2023 to 37.5%, with plans to further reduce to 30–32%, making licensed operations more attractive agbrief.comReddit+1.
- This strategic move helped widen the legal market— late 2024, licensed operators increased significantly, and e‑games GGR had surged past the ₱100 billion mark Reddit.
Safeguarding Consumers & Fighting Fraud
PAGCOR is also strengthening consumer protection measures amid the proliferation of illicit operators:
- Launch of the “PAGCOR Guarantee” website (June 2025)
A platform where the public can verify licensed online casinos and avoid fraudulent ones Philippine News Agency. - Warnings against social media livestream gambling
PAGCOR cautions the public that livestreamed casino games on platforms like Facebook are likely illegal, lacking consumer safeguards agbrief.com. - Alert on fake licensing websites
PAGCOR has issued warnings about fraudulent sites impersonating official licensing portals, urging the public to use only verified PAGCOR channels Reddit+1.
The POGO Ban & Offshoring Crackdown
PAGCOR continues to phase out Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs):
- In July 2024, President Marcos Jr. ordered the total shutdown of all POGOs year-end due to crime links. PAGCOR began revoking licenses accordingly Reuters+1.
- The government also blocked illegal POGOs tied to human trafficking, raids prevented imprisonment, and deported foreigners involved ReutersThe Australian.
- The anticipated revenue loss from POGOs is significant—₱23 billion annually—but the move is seen as necessary for national security and ethical governance Reuters+1.
Final Thoughts
PAGCOR’s Online Casino Evolution reflects a strategic pivot toward regulation, safety, and innovation. The institution is:
- Embracing technology—through VR, e-games, and digital platforms
- Expanding responsibly while enforcing integrity
- Bolstering consumer trust via public verification tools
- Sharpening its regulatory edge with licensing reforms and anti-fraud action
With online gaming now driving the industry, PAGCOR’s balanced approach positions the Philippines for sustainable growth while safeguarding ethical standards.