for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
The Philippine gaming sector posted gross gaming revenues of PHP396.14 billion, or $6.61 billion, for 2025. That figure reflects a 6.39% rise from the PHP372.33 billion, or $6.21 billion, recorded the year before.
PAGCOR shared these numbers in a recent press release. Gaming revenues in the online and electronic gaming category helped make up for declining revenues in the casino category, leading to online gaming being placed on top in the total category.
Online Gaming Takes Top Position
The online and electronic gaming category that consisted of e-bingo, e-games, bingo, and onsite & offsite poker, accounted for PHP201.12 billion ($3.35 billion). It registered an impressive 30.04% growth from last year’s PHP154.66 billion ($2.58 billion). That category made up 50.77% of the full industry GGR. It has now moved ahead of licensed casinos as the main revenue source.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco pointed out how this shift marks online gaming as the biggest earner. He noted that the sector no longer plays second fiddle but drives the bulk of the growth.
Casino Revenues Slide
Licensed casinos saw revenues fall 9.58% to PHP182.50 billion, or $3.04 billion, down from PHP201.84 billion, or $3.37 billion, in the prior year. PAGCOR-run casinos faced an even steeper drop of 20.95%, ending at PHP12.52 billion, or $209 million.
The overall picture shows how digital options have stepped up to carry the load. Traditional venues struggled to keep pace amid changing player habits.
Tengco highlighted the way electronic gaming has reshaped the landscape. He said the rise proves the industry’s adaptation to new demands, even with hurdles along the way.
Effect on Gaming Revenues Due to Payment Change
This growth was seen despite a temporary decrease in the third quarter of 2025 following the de-linking of e-wallets. Adjustments soon followed to tighten up digital transactions. These steps aimed to track money flows better, shield players, and build trust in the regulated online space. Tengco stressed that such moves strike a balance between expansion and oversight. The year’s results underline how steady rules support lasting progress in the field.
Focus on Sustainable Growth
PAGCOR’s approach goes beyond chasing numbers. Tengco made clear that the goal centers on growth that stays clean, open, and rule-bound. A tougher regulatory setup now backs the sector’s long-term health. That framework helps the industry handle shifts like the online boom without losing ground on standards.
The 2025 totals paint a clear trend toward digital dominance. Online and electronic play filled the gap left by casino declines, lifting the whole operation higher.
Regulatory Role Stressed
Tengco wrapped up by tying the gains to smarter controls. He said the numbers reflect an evolution where online leads but regulation keeps everything in check. Player safeguards and payment fixes played key roles in holding steady through disruptions. Those efforts let the sector rebound and post solid gains by year-end.
This outcome sets the stage for continued reliance on electronic channels. PAGCOR sees the online push as central to future stability and revenue flow.
Industry Evolution Noted
The full-year data confirms electronic gaming’s breakout year. It not only topped casinos but grew fast enough to offset their losses entirely. Tengco’s comments frame this as a natural progression. The sector has matured to where digital options anchor performance across the board.
With e-wallet tweaks now settled, the path looks clearer for sustained momentum. PAGCOR plans to nurture that strength while tightening compliance even further.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief
