PAGCOR Moves to Tighten Online Gaming Controls

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has outlined a series of tougher safeguards for the country’s online gaming sector, including stricter player verification standards and a possible blanket prohibition on gambling advertisements.

During a Senate Committee on Games and Amusement hearing on Wednesday, PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco described ongoing regulatory adjustments as digital betting activity expands. “As digital gaming continues to grow, PAGCOR has implemented significant regulatory upgrades to protect players, promote transparency and ensure that online gaming operates within a secure and well-regulated environment,” he said.

Ad Ban and Stricter Player Checks Under Review

The regulator is weighing whether to broaden existing limits on gambling promotions. Advertising during prime time hours between 5:30pm and 8:30pm already faces restrictions. Tengco told lawmakers that broadcasters have asked to air gambling commercials in off-peak periods. “During prime time, [5:30-8:30pm] advertisements are already prohibited,” he said. “Radio and TV stations are asking if they can still show the ads during dead slots, mainly for advertising revenue. But for us, if it’s possible to completely ban them, that’s what we want to enforce.”

Last year, PAGCOR ordered the removal of gambling billboards and transit advertisements. It also required the Ads Standards Council to review promotional materials on social media and digital channels before publication, while enforcement bodies may block illegal content.

The agency has also revised Know Your Customer procedures. Jessa Mariz Fernandez of PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department said regulators are “tightening the rules” to prevent users from bypassing identity checks. Deposits now require submission of a valid government ID and a real-time selfie, in addition to basic personal details.

To reinforce awareness of gambling risks, PAGCOR adopted the tagline “Gambling is addictive. Know when to stop”, replacing “Keep it fun”. Multiple translations will follow to widen public reach. According to InsiderPh, the regulator chose the term “gambling” rather than “gaming” to “preempt tighter legislative scrutiny and mounting public backlash” as the sector expands. PAGCOR is also working with the Seagulls Flock Organisation to launch a 24/7 problem gambling helpline. The nonprofit will host the 3rd International Conference on Gambling and Gaming Addiction in Manila from 18 to 20 May.

Revenue Falls as Digital Play Expands

PAGCOR recorded PHP106.03 billion in total revenue for 2025, a 5.1 percent decline from PHP111.72 billion in 2024, reflecting weaker land-based casino results and the removal of offshore gaming income. Gaming operations delivered PHP95.15 billion, with PHP10.88 billion from other income streams.

Revenue from PAGCOR-operated casinos dropped 18.1 percent to PHP10.38 billion, while licensed casinos contributed PHP31.44 billion, down 4.9 percent. Electronic and online gaming generated PHP53.33 billion, up 9.3 percent year-on-year, helping “offset part of the decline in land-based gaming… providing stability to overall gaming revenues.” Net income still increased 4.2 percent to PHP17.47 billion. Tengco noted “tremendous opportunities to strengthen regulatory frameworks and to create a market that is grounded in integrity, innovation, and long-term sustainability”.

Source:

“PAGCOR to implement stronger iGaming regulations”, igamingbusiness.com, February 11, 2026