Speaking at a Light & Wonder gaming conclave on Monday, Philippines regulatory chief Alejandro Tengco stressed that banning iGaming would backfire. Instead of protecting players, he argued, a ban would drive them toward underground markets.
iGaming’s Rapid Growth
The Philippines has experienced a digital gaming surge. In 2024, iGaming generated PHP154.51 billion (US$2.7 billion) in gross gaming revenue, a 165 percent jump year-on-year. During the first half of 2025, iGaming contributed PHP114.83 billion, already outpacing land-based casinos and boosting PAGCOR’s revenues to PHP59 billion.
A 2025 Statista report noted that Filipino players prefer online platforms because of their convenience and accessibility. However, critics warn that easy access fuels underage participation. In July, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri filed a bill seeking a full ban, saying online gambling “looks like a kid with a phone under the covers at 2 a.m., losing the family’s grocery money.”
Calls for Tighter Rules
Meanwhile, a separate House bill led by Rep. Chel Diokno focuses on stricter oversight. It proposes a 10 percent tax on iGaming revenue, stronger know-your-customer rules, restrictions on credit card deposits, and tighter ad limits. Importantly, the bill would also bar anyone under 21 from accessing online platforms.
Tengco’s Reform Agenda
Tengco, however, continues to defend the industry. He emphasized that the issue now is not growth, but how the Philippines can expand iGaming “safely, fairly, and sustainably.” He outlined PAGCOR’s reforms, including divesting from casino operations to act solely as a regulator, launching AI-driven monitoring tools, and introducing a 24/7 problem gambling helpline.
“With responsible growth, compliance, and transparency, the Philippines can build a safer, stronger, and globally competitive iGaming industry,” Tengco concluded.
