Philippines Q3 GGR Holds Steady at PHP94.51B as Online Gaming Reforms Advance
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The Philippine gaming industry recorded a virtually flat Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of Php94.51 billion in the third quarter of 2025. This figure marks a minor decrease from the Php94.61 billion achieved a year earlier, as the industry navigates significant online reforms and adjusts to tighter regulations on digital payments. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the state regulator, confirmed that the primary cause of stagnation was a necessary adjustment in the digital ecosystem.
Despite the overall GGR plateau, the Electronic Games (E-Games) segment emerged as the sector's strongest performer, posting a healthy 17.4% rise to Php41.95 billion year-on-year. However, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco noted that this growth slowed in August and September. This slump followed the mandatory delinking of e-wallets from legitimate gaming platforms, a reform implemented to enhance transparency and security. The Chairman stated that while this measure caused a "short-term decline," such "safeguards are vital to protect players Philippines and ensure secure, transparent transactions."
Outside of the robust E-Games sector, all other major segments saw a decline in earnings during the quarter:
- Licensed casinos, which account for the largest share, dropped 10.2% to Php45.56 billion.
PAGCOR-operated casinos recorded an 11.6% decline to Php3.22 billion.
Bingo revenues likewise slid 16.2% to Php3.79 billion.
The combined GGR share shows licensed casinos holding 48.2%, E-Games contributing 44.4%, and casino games bingo operations making up 4%.
A major concern for the regulator is the aggressive expansion of illegal online gaming sites. Mr. Tengco stressed that these unauthorized platforms fail to comply with responsible gaming standards, evade taxes, and expose players to risks like data theft and fraud. He urged the public to engage only with operators licensed in Philippines. Despite the current market adjustments and the threat posed by the illegal market, the PAGCOR leadership remains confident that the industry will regain momentum as players successfully adapt to the new e-wallet protocols and as authorities strengthen enforcement against unauthorized portals.
