The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor), the country’s casino regulator, says the country’s electronic games sector – composed of e-games and e-bingo – is navigating a “difficult but necessary transition toward stricter safeguards and more transparent operations,” which willl ultimately “help shape a more responsible industry”.
In August, members of the Philippine Senate began discussing stricter regulation of the country’s online gambling sector, including bills proposing a ban.
In late October, Pagcor said it had witnessed a “sharp decline” in its income since August, which the regulator attributed to the delinking of online gambling platforms from electronic wallets (e-wallets) and a slight decline in the number of new players.
Speaking during a gathering of the Association of Independent Licensed Gaming and Amusement Operators Inc on Wednesday, Alejandro Tengco (pictured), chairman and chief executive of Pagcor, acknowledged that recent reforms have prompted adjustments across the online gaming sector.
“You may be interested to know that in the third quarter of 2025, we recorded an industry GGR [gross gaming revenue] that was a bit lower than last year,” Mr Tengo said, quoted in a press release.
“But this reflects an industry transitioning to stronger and safer practices,” he added.
Mr Tengco cited the mandatory delinking of e-wallets from online gaming platforms, saying the move was intended to strengthen the credibility of legitimate operators, while preventing potential harm to young or otherwise vulnerable players.
The Pagcor chief noted that the online gaming segment still grew 17.4 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, but admitted that the e-wallet delinking policy triggered a temporary GGR decline in August and September.
“We know that many of you were affected by this sudden development,” Mr Tengco said. “However, we must not look at these reforms as obstacles but as safeguards designed to protect your players, your businesses, and the entire ecosystem you operate in.”
The Pagcor head also warned that while legitimate licensees were adapting responsibly, illegal operators continued to expand aggressively.
“They expose players to financial fraud and data theft,” Mr Tengco stated. “But the worst part is, they damage the reputation of the entire industry, including the legitimate” operators.
The Pagcor boss also commended the licensed operators for what he said was their resilience and willingness to comply with more stringent rules.
“We recognise all of you for being the backbone of the legitimate online gaming sector: innovating and adapting quickly, and staying compliant even when the rules become stricter,” he said.
