Philippines Q1 GGR falls 15.87%

The Philippine gaming industry generated gross gaming revenue of Php87.60bn ($1.49bn) in Q1 2026, down 15.87% year-on-year, according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). 

The decline marks a softer start to the year after the Philippines recorded Php396.14bn in gaming revenue in 2025. 

PAGCOR attributed the contraction to weaker electronic gaming, lower discretionary spending, inflationary pressure and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. 

Electronic gaming, including E-Games, E-Bingo, bingo and poker, posted a combined 22.43% decline during the January-to-March period. The segment still generated Php39.90bn, representing 45.55% of total industry GGR.

Licensed casinos remained the largest source of revenue, generating Php44.52bn or 50.83% of the total. PAGCOR-operated casinos contributed Php3.17bn, equivalent to 3.62%.

The figures show a reversal from the growth pattern seen through much of 2025, when electronic gaming helped offset weaker land-based revenue and the loss of offshore gaming following the closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators at the end of 2024.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said: “We attribute the first quarter dip to several factors, including softer discretionary spending amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising inflationary pressures.”

Tengco added: “We remain hopeful that once the geopolitical tensions stabilize, consumer confidence and discretionary spending will also gradually recover, which should help support improved industry performance.”

The regulator has also linked the sector’s longer-term outlook to continued investment in integrated resorts, digital systems and responsible gaming controls. In 2025, PAGCOR said further integrated resort projects were expected across Metro Manila, Clark, Cebu and Boracay. 

Earlier this month, PAGCOR remitted Php5.67bn to the National Treasury, representing 50% of its 2025 net income under Republic Act No. 7656. The payment brought its total dividend contributions since 2022 to Php29.9bn.