Philippine Gambling Industry Set for 17% Growth Boost in 2025

The Philippine gambling industry is projected to grow by 17% in 2025, driven by electronic gaming and integrated resorts. Gross gaming revenues could reach 450-480 billion pesos this year. This increase may aid public finances, with Pagcor transferring most earnings to the national treasury.

The Philippine gambling industry is poised for significant expansion, with expectations of a 17% revenue growth in 2025, according to the country's gaming regulator. The surge is attributed to advancements in electronic gaming and the success of integrated resorts, marking a continuation of last year's record-breaking performance.

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) Chairman Alejandro Tengco noted that this year's gross gaming revenues could range between 450 billion pesos and 480 billion pesos, a significant increase from 410.5 billion pesos in 2024, representing a 25% rise from the previous year. Importantly, these revenues could support the nation's public finances, as Pagcor must contribute the majority of its earnings to the national treasury.

The growth in electronic gaming is also expected to mitigate losses associated with the shutdown of offshore gambling operators by the end of 2024, a move ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The online gambling sector, which previously targeted Chinese customers due to China's strict gambling laws, initially took off in the Philippines in 2016.

(With inputs from agencies.)