PHILIPPINE GGR HITS PHP215B IN H1; E-GAMES TAKE 53% SHARE

The Philippine gaming industry maintained its strong performance in the first half of 2025 with gross gaming revenues (GGR) reaching Php214.75 billion – up 26% from Php171 billion in the same period last year, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said.

The Electronic Games sector – composed of E-Games, E-Bingo, and Bingo grantees – continued to pace the industry with Php114.83 billion in gross revenues or 53.47% of total GGR, said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H Tengco.

Licensed casinos – comprised of integrated resorts and brick-and-mortar casinos in Metro Manila, Clark, Cebu, La Union and Rizal – also remained a significant revenue driver, contributing Php93.36 billion or 43.47% of the industry GGR.

Meanwhile, PAGCOR-operated casinos added Php6.56 billion, representing 3.06% of the overall industry performance.

Despite robust earnings from the online gaming space, Mr. Tengco emphasized the need to maintain regulatory equilibrium as the industry continues to evolve.

“PAGCOR recognizes the earning potential of the E-Games sector, but as the country’s gaming regulator, our foremost responsibility is to ensure that growth comes with accountability,” Mr. Tengco said.

“Our role goes beyond revenue generation; and as partners of the government in nation-building, we are committed to always strike a balance between enabling industry expansion and ensuring it aligns with responsible gaming standards,” he added.

The PAGCOR chief noted that the state gaming agency recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ad Standards Council (ASC) to strengthen the monitoring of gambling-related advertisements across all platforms.

It also recently ordered the takedown of all gambling ads in public spaces and primetime TV by August 15 this year.

“These efforts are part of our broader mission to ensure that online gambling is not only well-regulated but also aligned with public interest,” Mr. Tengco added.

With the continued growth of the local gaming sector, PAGCOR also reaffirmed its focus on sustaining reforms that promote transparency, industry compliance, and inclusive national development.