The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) posted gross gaming revenue of PHP214.75 billion ($3.72 billion) for the first half of 2025 on Tuesday, up 26% over last year.

Land-based casinos contributed PHP93.36 billion, down 5.85% from 2024. But online gambling — e-games in the Philippines — generated PHP114.83 billion, up an astounding 82.67% year-on-year.

Could e-games spike prove critics’ case?

The rising popularity of e-games could actually provide fodder for the gaming sector’s critics. In recent months, activists, clergy and legislators have slammed the industry for allegedly stoking addictive behavior, especially among young people and the poor. They say 24/7 access to gambling can bring financial hardship and the risk of more crime.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri introduced a bill this month that would ban all iGaming operations that cater to Filipino users. If enacted, Senate Bill 142 would shut down all online gambling websites and apps — local and offshore — within 72 hours. It would require internet service providers, mobile network operators and digital platforms to block access. It would also bar e-wallets and payment service providers from processing e-games transactions.

Zubiri took aim at celebrities and influencers who promote the games, saying they “make a parody of people losing a lot of money in online gambling. Children are learning to lie, to steal, to cheat just to fund their next bet.”

PAGCOR defends sector as ‘nation builder’

Not surprisingly, PAGCOR emphasised the economic windfall of e-games.

“The strong revenue stream enabled the agency to increase its contributions to nation-building to PHP38.1 billion, up 20% from the PHP31.8 billion” last year, PAGCOR announced Tuesday. As a result, the regulator funnelled PHP25.36 billion to the National Treasury for “priority programs” in infrastructure, health care, education and social services.

“PAGCOR recognizes the earning potential of the e-games sector,” said PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco. “But as the country’s gaming regulator, our foremost responsibility is to ensure that growth comes with accountability.

“We are committed to always strike a balance between enabling industry expansion and ensuring it aligns with responsible gaming standards”.

PAGCOR pushes regulation over abolition

Tengco favours stricter regulation of e-games over a total ban.

House Bill 1351, sponsored by Philippines Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismula, would impose a 10% tax on e-games and use the proceeds to fund addiction treatment and recovery. It would bar most iGaming ads, ban the use of digital wallets and place restrictions on credit card deposits. The legislation would require iGaming operators to identify and discourage risky gambling behaviour and limit game play by anyone under 21.

“We need a whole-of-government approach if we want to combat the ill effects of online gambling,” said Diokno.

On 16 July, PAGCOR signed an agreement with the Ad Standards Council to pre-screen gambling-related advertisements before they go live. According to the Philippine News Agency, under the plan all branded or corporate gambling advertisements in the Philippines — including television, radio, online and outdoor — must be approved by the ASC to “curb misleading content and protect vulnerable groups from potential harm”.

PAGCOR also has ordered the removal of all gambling ads in public spaces and primetime TV by 15 August.

“These efforts are part of our broader mission to ensure that online gambling is not only well-regulated but also aligned with public interest,” Tengco said.