Philippine Gambling Industry Poised for 17% Growth in 2025, Says Pagcor Chief

MANILA, May 8 – The Philippine gambling sector is projected to grow by another 17% in 2025, driven by strong performance in electronic gaming and integrated resorts, according to Alejandro Tengco, Chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

Speaking to reporters, Tengco stated that gross gaming revenues (GGR) could reach between ₱450 billion and ₱480 billion (approximately $7.8 billion to $8.3 billion USD) in 2025. This comes after the industry achieved a record ₱410.5 billion in 2024, marking a 25% year-on-year increase from 2023.

Gross gaming revenue is defined as the total amount wagered by players minus their winnings, providing a key indicator of the industry's overall performance. Tengco emphasized that this continued growth could significantly support the country’s public finances, as Pagcor is mandated to remit the majority of its earnings to the national treasury.

The anticipated rise in electronic gaming could also compensate for declining revenues from offshore gambling operators, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to phase out these operations by the end of 2024, Tengco added.