PAGCOR Vows to Eradicate Illegal Gambling, as Contributions from Legal Market Increase

PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco has said that the regulator will now seek further action to limit the reach of the offshore and illegal gambling market in the Philippines. This comes amid the latest results from the watchdog, which said that licensed sites have contributed about $1.20 billion in license fees through July 2025.

PAGCOR Highlights Contributions to Gambling Sector

Tengco insisted that the sector continues to have a strong and positive economic impact locally, and that regulated online gambling is working in the state’s best interest. These remarks come amid a fraught legal environment.

President Bongbong Marcos has been called upon to act against gambling and ban all activities, but critics of such measures have argued that they are too short-sighted and could only end up worsening the situation by driving players offshore.

There have been repeated studies from the market to suggest that even gamblers are not too keen on a complete block, as they fear that illegal casinos will take over. Tengco is of a similar mind, highlighting the good that is already coming from the regulated sector:

“Because of its huge potential, online gaming has become an important source of funds for our nation-building commitments, including PAGCOR’s support for education, health care, and community development.”

He further noted that every peso collected from the market results in a meaningful contribution to the public purse, from equipping classrooms with what they need for education to healthcare. However, the threat of offshore and illegal gambling remains.

Illegal Gambling Has to Go, PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco has said that the regulator will now seek further action to limit the reach of the offshore and illegal gambling market in the Philippines.

Illegal Gambling Has to Go, and PAGCOR Has Plans

“These illegal sites not only deprive the government of much-needed revenues but also expose Filipino players to numerous risks,” Tengco added, explaining that the black market persistently undermines licensed operations.

Regulatory uncertainty further empowers it, too, Tengco explained. Nevertheless, PAGCOR is committed to carrying out regulation and enforcement against the sector.

“PAGCOR is committed to strengthening regulation and enforcement to ensure that only legitimate and properly monitored operators are allowed to operate,” the watchdog concluded.