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PAGCOR expects a government decision soon on its long planned separation of casino operations from regulatory duties, a change that would leave the Philippine agency focused only on gaming oversight.
The Governance Commission for GOCCs is reviewing the proposal before any recommendation goes to the Office of the President. PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said an executive order could implement the separation if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr approves the plan.
Good to Know
- PAGCOR currently regulates gaming while also operating the Casino Filipino network.
- The GCG is reviewing the proposed separation before it goes to the President.
- PAGCOR has pursued a regulator only structure since at least 2023.
PAGCOR Casino Privatization Gets Closer to Decision
“Currently, the proposal remains under review by the GCG, and we expect a decision to be out very soon,” Tengco said during the IAG Academy Summit 2026 in Manila.
PAGCOR operates about 40 Casino Filipino branches and satellite venues while also licensing and supervising private casino, electronic gaming and sports betting operators.
The proposed structure would remove that dual role. PAGCOR would privatize Casino Filipino operations and concentrate resources on regulation.
“You do not want a regulator to regulate its own operations,” Tengco said.
PAGCOR has argued for years that separating the two functions would remove an inherent conflict. The agency first publicly outlined plans to become a purely regulatory body in 2023 and has continued preparing its internal structure for that outcome.
“Should the President find merit in the proposal, an executive order will be issued to implement the separation of Pagcor’s regulatory and commercial functions,” Tengco said.
The plan carries legal, financial, staffing and operational consequences, meaning Casino Filipino privatization would not happen immediately after an approval.
“This is not about how much we will generate. It is about strengthening Pagcor, and with its strength, we can do our work better,” Tengco said.
Electronic Gaming Changes PAGCOR Role
The Philippine gaming market now looks very different from the environment in which Casino Filipino developed.
Private integrated resorts hold a much larger role, while electronic gaming has become an increasingly important part of the market. PAGCOR now maintains separate regulatory units for casinos, electronic casino games, bingo and sports betting.
“The reality is that the industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and nowhere is that transformation more visible than in [the] electronic gaming [segment],” Tengco said.
“To remain competitive, institutions must evolve as rapidly as the industries they regulate,” he added.
PAGCOR had already described regulatory independence as a priority at ICE Barcelona 2026, arguing that a regulator only model would allow clearer rules and more consistent enforcement.
FAQ
Why does PAGCOR want to stop operating casinos?
PAGCOR says operating casinos while regulating competitors creates an inherent conflict. The proposed structure would leave the agency focused on licensing, compliance and gaming oversight.
Who decides whether PAGCOR can separate its functions?
The GCG is reviewing the proposal. A recommendation would then go to the Office of the President, where approval could lead to an executive order.
What happens to Casino Filipino?
PAGCOR plans to privatize its Casino Filipino branches and satellite venues if the separation proceeds.
When could the PAGCOR restructuring happen?
Tengco said the GCG decision is expected very soon, but no final implementation date has been announced.
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