Philippine Gambling Sector Faces Digital Risks and Revenue Pressure

The Philippine gambling business is now experiencing reduced revenue, technology disruption, and heightened regulation after many years of expansion.

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Industry officials discussed the changing market at the Inside Asian Gaming Academy Summit. According to figures provided at the seminar, Philippine gross gambling revenue, or GGR, fell by 20% to P88 billion ($1.4 billion) in the second quarter.

This fall was mostly because of low electronic gambling revenue, inflation, and geopolitics.

Despite the slowdown in growth, there are still some advantages that the Philippines possesses. These include having a well-established gambling system, a network of resorts, a trained workforce, youthfulness among its population, and its geographical position in Asia.

In addition, land-based casinos still play a crucial role in the sector, despite the increasing use of digital gambling facilities.

The current state of affairs demonstrates that the two worlds are combined in the industry. While technology creates new opportunities for operators and customers, it also adds new operational and regulatory concerns.

Challenges Arising from Technology

Alejandro Tengco, who is the Chairman of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR), noted that technological advancements have brought about an opportunity for the gambling industry.

On the other hand, Tengco pointed out that the same advancements have brought challenges to the industry.

As gambling platforms become more digital, PAGCOR must continue adapting its regulatory environment to provide stability for operators and investors. The regulator’s approach is focused on responding to the changing market while maintaining oversight of licensed activities.

Tengco said PAGCOR’s rules must keep pace with the changes taking place across the industry. The goal is to balance industry growth with player protection and responsible gambling.

The expansion of electronic and online gambling platforms has made this balance more important. Digital services can reach more users, but illegal operators can also use technology to offer gambling products outside regulatory safeguards.

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PAGCOR Reviews Its Dual Role

One of the reforms being considered is the separation of PAGCOR’s regulatory and commercial functions.

The proposal is intended to address concerns related to PAGCOR’s dual role as both a casino operator and a gaming regulator. Separating the functions could give the agency a more focused role in industry oversight.

PAGCOR has also introduced measures for electronic gambling. These include a minimum guaranteed fee and a Unified Gaming License.

The regulator recently launched the PAGCOR Guarantee website. The platform allows the public to check whether an online gambling site is licensed.

PAGCOR is also developing a mobile application that will provide a similar verification service. These tools are intended to help users identify legitimate online gambling platforms.

The verification initiatives are part of PAGCOR’s response to illegal online gambling. Unlicensed platforms compete with legal operators and may expose players to increased risks because they operate outside formal regulatory protections.

Responsible Gambling Measures Expand

PAGCOR also highlighted its National Problem Gambling Helpline and its expanded self-exclusion program.

Information presented during the summit showed that the self-exclusion program now covers more than 26,000 verified former players.

The program provides an option for people who want to remove themselves from gambling activities. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is another part of the regulator’s responsible gambling efforts.

PAGCOR said player protection will require continued work as technology and new gambling platforms become more widely adopted. The regulator’s measures focus on helping the public verify online operators, addressing illegal platforms, and supporting people affected by gambling-related concerns.

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Source: Newsbytes.ph