Online gambling investigation to commence in the Philippines, with calls for caution emphasized
In the Philippines, the online gambling industry remains robust but is undergoing significant regulatory scrutiny and shifts in government strategies. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the main regulator, has maintained strong control and performance, with gross gaming revenues reaching Php214.75 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 26% increase over previous periods.
However, concerns about the accessibility of online gambling and its linkage with e-wallet services have been raised by Senator Erwin Tulfo, who chairs a Senate inquiry into the industry. Operators have been adapting by migrating to encrypted messaging and e-commerce platforms to evade restrictions. The Senate is committed to working with private stakeholders to develop a more comprehensive approach to regulation and enforcement.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signalled he will not support a blanket ban on online gambling without careful study of its social costs and economic implications. Instead, the government’s policies have included earlier bans on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in 2024 due to concerns including crime linked to Chinese nationals and diplomatic pressure. Despite this restriction, the government’s taxation and regulatory schemes are aimed at sustaining the industry’s growth by enhancing oversight rather than outright bans.
PAGCOR is shifting its role from operating casinos to focusing on regulation, aiming to privatize 41 casinos by 2028 and enhance controls on online gambling through measures such as accrediting KYC (Know Your Customer) providers and using AI to identify problem gambling. Senator Tulfo, a vocal proponent of a total ban on online gambling, has described the situation as a crisis and warned that "even children are gambling now."
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is studying a general tax amnesty programme and new levies on online betting as part of the government's response. To promote responsible gambling and compliance, the PlaySafe Alliance of the Philippines, a coalition of 19 licensed online gaming operators, has been formed. The alliance aims to implement tougher know-your-customer checks, age verification, and self-exclusion programmes to prevent underage and problem gambling.
The alliance plans to collaborate with PAGCOR to strengthen oversight and enforce stricter controls on gambling advertising. The hearing will examine several bills targeting the ill effects of online betting. Senator Tulfo has scheduled a hearing on Thursday. The committee will first hear from agencies like PAGCOR and the Department of Finance before deciding whether to pursue a full prohibition.
President Marcos is convening a multi-sector "conclave" of stakeholders to debate policy options. Recto also supports barring government officials from online betting and preventing public funds from investing in gambling companies. The alliance will run public awareness campaigns on safe gambling practices and the risks of unregulated platforms. They will also help authorities identify and deter unlicensed operators.
In summary, the Philippine online gambling industry in 2025 is marked by strong financial performance and growth in gaming revenues despite regulatory challenges, an ongoing Senate inquiry focused on limiting the public accessibility of gambling, government policies balancing bans with plans to privatize casinos and strengthen regulation, industry self-regulation advancing through enforcement of stricter licensing requirements and technological innovations for monitoring problem gambling, and the formation of the PlaySafe Alliance to promote responsible gambling and compliance. This dynamic indicates a pivot from an expansion-driven phase to a more controlled and sustainable regulatory environment encouraging responsible growth and transparency.
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