Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco detailed a restructuring effort he said is necessary to secure the long-term direction of the country’s gaming industry. Speaking at G2E Asia events in Manila, he said recent adjustments affecting online gaming and PAGCOR’s casino operations are intended to support a more credible and competitive market.
Tengco said the delinking of e-wallets and certain payment channels temporarily slowed the eGames sector in the latter part of the third quarter of 2025, though it was introduced to enhance oversight. “This reform, which is designed to improve traceability, reinforce anti-money laundering protections, and curb illicit financial activity, inevitably has short-term impacts,” he said.
Online Gaming Reforms and Market Reaction
Despite the initial disruption, the eGames and e-bingo segment remained the industry’s strongest performer, posting 18 percent growth for the quarter in one address and 17.4 percent in another. Tengco said the dip in August and September reflected operator and player adjustments. “We understand that this can be a cause for concern because when an industry is expanding, any measure that disrupts momentum, even temporarily, can feel like a setback,” he said. He added, “Therefore, this short-term dip was never a sign of weakness or failure, but a necessary step towards long-term stability and greater investor confidence.”
Tengco said the digital market would continue to play a central role in future expansion. PAGCOR, he explained, had strengthened safeguards even before the e-wallet reform by launching the PAGCOR Guarantee Page and expanding coordination with agencies including the DICT, NTC, CICC, PNP and NBI to shut down illegal operators.
Responsible gaming requirements also expanded. “We also partnered with foundations such as the Seagulls Flock Organization to establish a 24/7 helpline, train Responsible Gaming Ambassadors, and accredit rehabilitation centres,” he said. PAGCOR likewise banned credit cards and cryptocurrencies for betting and partnered with the Ad Standards Council to remove gambling ads from public spaces and improve advertising standards.
Redefining PAGCOR’s Role
Tengco said PAGCOR is taking steps to separate its regulatory role from its casino operations, calling the dual mandate outdated. He stated that “the same institution cannot, and should not, serve as both referee and player in the same field.” The Governance Commission for GOCCs is reviewing the transition, which may also require revisions to PAGCOR’s mandate under Presidential Decree 1869 and Republic Act 9487.
Casino Filipino venues are undergoing upgrades in preparation for privatization. Tengco said employees will be treated with fairness, with possibilities including redeployment, absorption by private operators or retirement packages.
Moving Forward
Tengco said PAGCOR’s direction is toward “robust regulation, reinforced safeguards and a clearly delineated institutional structure designed for long-term success.” He encouraged operators to work with regulators and said policies must prioritize player protection. “Players should feel that their safety and well-being remain at the core of our policies,” he said, adding that the Philippines has the capacity to strengthen its position in the regional gaming landscape.
Source:
“PAGCOR’s Tengco says recalibration of Philippines gaming regulation essential for strong foundations”, asgam.com, December 10, 2025
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