PAGCOR reaffirms compliance with online gambling laws
As lawmakers and regulators move to curb the widespread use of online gambling through digital platforms, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has expressed its readiness to comply with any new legislation regulating the sector.
“It is the prerogative of our lawmakers to propose laws which they think will be beneficial to the public,” PAGCOR said in a statement. The agency also affirmed its obligation to uphold the law. “PAGCOR is duty-bound to follow any and all relevant regulations once they are passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.”
Several bills on online gambling have been filed in both chambers of Congress in the Philippines. Party-list representatives from Bicol Saro and Akbayan proposed banning gambling transactions on e-wallet apps such as GCash and Maya. Moreover, Akbayan lawmakers also revealed plans to file a bill that would impose stricter age verification protocols, remove gambling access from e-wallets entirely, and raise the minimum required deposit to reduce impulsive play.
While awaiting the passage of proposed measures, PAGCOR pledged to continue enforcement efforts. “Rest assured that PAGCOR remains fully committed to intensifying its efforts in the ongoing battle against the proliferation of illegal online gaming activities, together with like-minded agencies and organizations and with the support of all gaming industry stakeholders.,” the gaming regulatory body said.
Tighter rules on gambling access
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippine central bank, has earlier announced the drafting of a circular aimed at restricting online gambling transactions through banks and e-wallets under its supervision. This includes banks and electronic money issuers that provide access to gambling platforms through digital services. The BSP has already circulated the draft policy to stakeholders and is currently reviewing the submitted feedback.
Parallel legislation in the Senate
In the upper chamber, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian filed a counterpart bill that proposes the banning of gambling-related transactions on e-wallets and enforcing a PHP10,000 ($177) minimum deposit requirement. Gatchalian’s proposed measure also includes restrictions on gambling advertisements, especially within sensitive areas such as schools and residential zones.
Growth of iGaming
In February, PAGCOR projected that the Philippines’ gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2025 could reach between PHP450 billion and PHP480 billion (€7.4 billion and €7.9 billion), up from PHP410.5 billion (€6.8 billion) in 2024. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the expected growth is attributed to the rise of online gaming, which is rapidly closing the gap with traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.
