PAGCOR tightens gambling safeguards amid industry growth

State gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has rolled out new measures to strengthen responsible gaming and player protection as the country’s gaming industry continues to expand alongside digitalization.

PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the regulator is reinforcing safeguards to ensure industry growth is matched with accountability and social responsibility.

“As regulators and industry leaders, we have the obligation of ensuring that innovation is matched by accountability, and that industry progress remains aligned with social responsibility and public welfare,” Tengco said during the SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 in Pasay City.

The SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 is among the region’s largest gaming industry gatherings, bringing together regulators, operators, investors, and technology providers to discuss emerging trends, regulatory developments, and opportunities shaping the sector.

A key part of PAGCOR’s initiative is the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which provides round-the-clock counseling, intervention, and support for individuals and families affected by gambling-related problems.

“Through this helpline, individuals and families who are affected by problem gambling will have access to immediate, confidential, and professional support,” Tengco said.

The initiative was launched in partnership with the Seagulls Flock Organization, a non-profit group focused on mental health, behavioral wellness, and addiction treatment.

Tengco said the emphasis on responsible gaming has become more urgent amid the rapid growth of digital gaming platforms.

“The true measure of this industry is not simply its size or rate of expansion, but our ability to ensure that gaming remains properly regulated, socially responsible, and genuinely beneficial to the communities we serve,” he said.

He also cited industry figures showing continued expansion, with gross gaming revenues (GGR) reaching nearly P400 billion in 2025, up 6.39% from P372.33 billion in 2024, driven largely by electronic gaming.

However, Tengco noted a slowdown in early 2026, saying first-quarter GGR declined 15.87% year-on-year to P87.60 billion, with electronic gaming posting a 22.43% contraction amid softer discretionary spending and broader economic pressures.

Licensed casinos accounted for P44.52 billion in revenues during the period, or 50.83% of total industry earnings.

Tengco said the figures highlight the complementary roles of digital and land-based gaming, with online platforms driving growth during expansion periods while traditional casinos provide stability during downturns.

He added that the long-term success of the sector should be measured not only by revenue growth but also by its ability to maintain public trust and uphold responsible gaming standards.—MCG, GMA News