PAGCOR Reports Php69 Billion From Online Gaming While Warning Against Illegal Sites

Online gaming has turned into one of the most reliable income sources for the Philippine government in 2025. At the same time, regulators say unlicensed websites are putting Filipino players at risk and cutting into public revenues.

Good to know

• Licensed online gaming earned Php69 billion from January to July 2025.
• PAGCOR contributed Php27.47 billion to social programs, including Php14.72 billion for Universal Health Care.
• Illegal operators remain a threat, depriving the government of revenue and exposing players to risks.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) told lawmakers that the country’s licensed digital gaming sector generated Php69 billion in license fees during the first seven months of the year. Of this total, Php41 billion came from electronic games (E-Games), while Php28 billion came from other online gaming products.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco highlighted the sector’s importance to public funding, saying:

“Because of its huge potential, online gaming has become an important source of funds for our nation-building commitments, including PAGCOR’s support for education, health care, and community development.”

Between January and July 2025, the sector contributed Php27.47 billion to nation-building projects, much of it through PAGCOR’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. These include Php14.72 billion directed to the Universal Health Care Law.

Funding has also gone to construction of school buildings, socio-civic centers, wellness facilities, and new E-Learning hubs across the country.

Tengco stressed the impact in clear terms:

“Every peso we collect from the gaming sector translates to meaningful projects such as classrooms for our children, health programs for our people, and safe spaces for communities in times of calamity. This is how we ensure that gaming directly benefits Filipinos.”

Crackdown on Illegal Operators

While celebrating the success of regulated online gaming, PAGCOR warned lawmakers about the growing presence of unlicensed operators targeting Filipino players. Tengco noted that these sites not only cut into government revenues but also put players of all ages at risk by operating without safeguards.

“These illegal sites not only deprive the government of much-needed revenues but also expose Filipino players to numerous risks,” he said.

PAGCOR pledged to step up enforcement efforts, with Tengco adding:

“PAGCOR is committed to strengthening regulation and enforcement to ensure that only legitimate and properly monitored operators are allowed to operate.”

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