Speaking at G2E Asia @ the Phillipines, Alejandro Tengo of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp attributed softer third-quarter gaming revenues to heightened consumer protections.
“This includes the ongoing transition towards stronger financial safeguards for legitimate online gaming operators,” Tengco said in his keynote address Wednesday. Those measures include the delinking of e-wallets used for iGaming transactions, an order handed down in August. PAGCOR has also banned the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies to prevent “over-borrowing and impulsive behaviour”.
“These reforms inevitably have short-term impacts” that could be perceived as setbacks, Tengco acknowledged. But, he added, stricter regulations demonstrate an industry that is committed to sustainable long-term growth.
“We cannot build a modern digital gaming ecosystem on foundations that do not fully meet global integrity and compliance standards,” Tengco said. “This commitment extends to responsible gaming and player protection.”
Consumer safety a core policy
Over the past year, PAGCOR has introduced new consumer protection standards. In July, the regulator signed an agreement with the Ad Standards Council to screen gambling-related ads before they go live, to “curb misleading content and protect vulnerable groups from potential harm”.
Licensed operators must further incorporate responsible gambling tools like self-exclusion options and betting limits. PAGCOR has also partnered with organisations like the Seagulls Flock Organization to establish a 24/7 problem gambling helpline and accredit rehabilitation centers.
“These efforts reflect PAGCOR’s long-term goal of cultivating a more secure, transparent and internationally aligned gaming environment,” Tengco said. “The future of gaming will demand regulatory agility, industry cooperation and a shared commitment to integrity. Players should always feel that their safety and wellbeing remain at the core of our policies.”
Philippines iGaming an industry leader
Last year, Philippines iGaming generated PHP154.51 billion in GGR, up 165% year-on-year. In the first half of 2025, iGaming contributed PHP114.83 billion, outstripping land-based revenue and boosting PAGCOR’s total revenues to PHP59 billion.
A 2025 Statista report says Filipino players “have shown a strong preference for online gambling due to its convenience and accessibility. Players can participate in various games and place bets from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need to travel to physical casinos.”
Though GGR dipped 0.11% during the third quarter, strong performance in the e-games sector in June and July propelled a 17.4% increase for the period to PHP41.95 billion, or 44.4% of GGR.
Marjorie Preston
Marjorie began her gaming career in 2007 and has focused on Asian gaming markets since 2020. Outside of work, she writes about travel and film and plays the drums.
Alejandro Tengco of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp says softer third-quarter revenues were inevitable from improved RG safeguards.