Cracking Down on Underground Betting: PAGCOR's Commitment Strengthens as Revenue from Legal Wagers Boosts

In a recent statement, Alejandro Tengco, the chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has highlighted the significance of a regulated online gambling sector as a crucial source of funds for nation-building commitments such as education, healthcare, and community development.

Tengco underscored that illegal gambling sites deprive the government of much-needed revenues, and regulatory uncertainty empowers the illegal gambling market. He explained that these unregulated sites expose Filipino players to numerous risks.

PAGCOR's efforts are aimed at ensuring that every peso collected from the market results in a meaningful contribution to the public purse, specifically for education and healthcare. The regulator has been committed to carrying out regulation and enforcement against the illegal gambling sector.

Licensed online gambling sites in the Philippines have contributed approximately $1.20 billion in license fees through July 2025. However, the black market for gambling persistently undermines licensed operations.

In response, Tengco announced plans to implement a new educational framework as a preventive measure to limit the expansion of the illegal gambling market in the Philippines. The announcement is expected soon after September 2025.

Tengco believes that the regulated online gambling sector is working in the state's best interest and continues to have a strong and positive economic impact locally. He also emphasized that PAGCOR is committed to strengthening regulation and enforcement to ensure that only legitimate and properly monitored operators are allowed to operate.

The regulator is taking further action to limit the reach of offshore and illegal gambling markets in the Philippines. This move comes amidst calls for President Bongbong Marcos to act against gambling and ban all activities, but critics argue that such measures could worsen the situation by driving players offshore.

There have been studies suggesting that even gamblers are not in favor of a complete gambling ban due to fears of illegal casinos taking over. President Marcos has yet to comment on these calls.

In conclusion, PAGCOR's commitment to regulating and enforcing the online gambling sector is a step towards ensuring the safety of Filipino players and securing much-needed funds for nation-building commitments. The implementation of the new educational framework is expected to further limit the expansion of the illegal gambling market in the Philippines.