The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has signaled plans to increase oversight of online gambling, introducing stricter player verification procedures and considering a full ban on iGaming advertisements. The regulator aims to respond to the rapid growth of digital gaming while protecting participants and ensuring industry transparency.
“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,”PAGCOR chief Alejandro Tengco told the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement during a Wednesday hearing.
Among proposed measures, PAGCOR may extend the existing ban on gambling ads. Currently, television advertisements are prohibited during prime time from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tengco explained, “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.”
PAGCOR has already removed gambling-related billboards and transit advertisements in 2025 and mandated pre-screening of online promotions by the Ads Standards Council. Illegal content may be blocked by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center and the National Telecommunications Commission.
Enhanced Player Verification and Problem Gambling Support
The regulator is also strengthening Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Jessa Mariz Fernandez of PAGCOR’s Electronic Gaming Licensing Department said players must now submit government-issued identification and real-time selfies to make deposits.
PAGCOR has adopted a new tagline, “Gambling is addictive. Know when to stop,” translated into multiple languages to boost awareness. According to InsiderPh, the term “gambling” was intentionally used to preempt scrutiny and public backlash, replacing the earlier “Keep it fun” message.
The agency is collaborating with the Seagulls Flock Organisation to establish a 24/7 problem gambling helpline. The nonprofit will host the 3rd International Conference on Gambling and Gaming Addiction from May 18-20 in Manila.
Tengco also clarified data on online participation, noting, “Just a clarification on the numbers earlier – the 32 million are only registered users but the active players are around 10 million. They will participate in different operators because, as you know, when they get lucky there, they will stick to it. But when they get unlucky, they will transfer from one to the other.”
Revenue Trends Reflect Online Shift
PAGCOR’s total revenue in 2025 reached PHP106.03 billion, down 5.1 percent from PHP111.72 billion in 2024, reflecting weaker land-based casino results and the removal of nearly PHP3 billion in offshore gaming income. Revenue from PAGCOR-operated casinos fell 18.1 percent to PHP10.38 billion, while licensed casinos contributed PHP31.44 billion, down 4.9 percent. Digital and online gaming partially offset these declines, generating PHP53.33 billion, a 9.3 percent increase.
Alejandro Tengco noted, “The decline in revenues from land-based casinos is largely driven by the gradual change in player behavior, with more customers opting for digital and online gaming platforms.” Despite lower overall revenue, PAGCOR’s net income rose 4.2 percent to PHP17.47 billion, with total contributions to nation-building reaching PHP66.95 billion, including funds to the National Treasury, taxes, the Philippine Sports Commission, and athlete incentives.
Source:
“PAGCOR to implement stronger iGaming regulations”, igamingbusiness.com, February 11, 2026
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