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A New Era of Gaming in the Philippines
The gaming scene in the Philippines is undergoing a tremendous change. With the fast-paced world of technology and smartphones becoming an important part of everyday life— Filipinos are now turning to online gaming like never before. What was once a pastime limited only to casinos and gaming halls has now moved to the digital world, changing not only how people play but also how the gaming industry is contributing to the nation’s economy.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) recently reported an astonishing 51% increase in net operating income, reaching ₱84.97 billion in 2024, compared to ₱56.38 billion in 2023. So what is the major driver behind this growth? The answer is obviously electronic games and e-bingo, which brought in ₱48.79 billion—making up more than half of PAGCOR’s total gaming revenues. This sudden increase clearly shows that Filipinos are embracing digital gaming platforms.
Online Gaming: The New Powerhouse
Online gaming isn’t just a trend that will pass by; it’s slowly becoming the backbone of the gaming industry in the Philippines. A report by Morgan Stanley revealed that online gaming accounted for 70% of the country’s land-based gross gaming revenue (GGR) by the third quarter of 2024—a significant leap from 40% in the first quarter and 60% in the second quarter.
As a result, PAGCOR’s revenue streams have diversified, with gaming operations and license fees leading the way at ₱97.52 billion. While electronic gaming is leading the charge, licensed casinos and Casino Filipino venues continue to contribute, generating ₱33.07 billion and ₱12.67 billion, respectively.
Industry Leaders Are Catching Up
With online gaming rising, traditional casino operators are reconsidering some of their outdated strategies. Big players in the industry are adapting to the digital shift:
- Solaire Resort & Casino has recently started hiring for its online gaming division, showing a clear move toward the digital space.
- NUSTAR Resort and Casino recently launched NUSTAR Max, its own online gaming platform, to cater to digital gamers’ preferences.
- DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has emerged as a dominant force in the e-gaming sector, surpassing Bloomberry in gross gaming revenue and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) in the second quarter of 2024.
DigiPlus now holds an impressive 50% market share and boasts a massive 40 million registered users—a staggering number considering the Philippines’ adult population of 70 million.
Going Global: The Next Big Move
The success of DigiPlus doesn’t stop at home. The company has expanded internationally by successfully securing a gaming license in Brazil, indicating a bold step into the global market. Investors did not fail to take notice—DigiPlus’ stock price skyrocketed from ₱7.93 per share in early 2024 to ₱28.95 by January 2025, making it one of the best-performing stocks of the year.
The Future: Tech-Driven Gaming
The rise of online gaming is already proof enough that technology is truly shaping the future of entertainment. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco believes this trend will only continue, emphasizing, “This impressive performance is a strong indication that the use of modern technology and mobile gadgets in gaming and amusement will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of gaming.”
With innovation, strategic adaptation, and regulatory support, the digital gaming industry in the Philippines is set for sustained growth. As technology evolves, so too will the ways Filipinos experience gaming—ensuring that the industry remains vibrant, competitive, and of course, highly profitable.
Source: BusinessWorld
