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The Philippine gaming industry recorded a decline in gross gaming revenues during the opening quarter of 2026 as softer performance from electronic gaming operations weighed on the market, according to figures released by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Industry-wide gross gaming revenue reached PHP87.60 billion ($1.42 billion) between January and March, reflecting a 15.87 percent decrease from the PHP104.12 billion ($1.69 billion) generated during the same period a year earlier.
PAGCOR said the electronic gaming segment produced the sharpest decline during the quarter. Revenue from E-Games, E-Bingo, bingo and poker operations dropped 22.43 percent year-on-year, bringing combined earnings for the sector to PHP39.90 billion ($647.6 million).
The regulator noted that market conditions and broader economic concerns affected consumer spending patterns during the period.
“We attribute the first quarter dip to several factors, including softer discretionary spending amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and rising inflationary pressures,” PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said, according to Asia Gaming Brief.
Licensed Casinos Return as Top Revenue Source
Traditional licensed casinos regained their position as the country’s largest gaming revenue contributor during the quarter after electronic gaming became the leading segment in 2025.
Licensed casinos generated PHP44.52 billion ($722.6 million) in gross gaming revenues during the first quarter, representing 50.83 percent of the industry’s total GGR. The electronic gaming sector accounted for 45.55 percent of the market during the same period.
PAGCOR-operated Casino Filipino properties contributed PHP3.17 billion ($51.5 million), equivalent to 3.62 percent of overall gaming revenues.
Industry figures released by the regulator indicated that electronic gaming operations remained a major contributor despite the decline in earnings. PAGCOR also linked the softer results to regulatory measures introduced during the second half of 2025 that affected the e-games sector.
The regulator said the performance of the gaming industry during the quarter reflected a combination of external economic conditions and changing market dynamics. Inflationary pressure and geopolitical uncertainty affected discretionary consumer spending, which in turn impacted gaming activity across several segments.
PAGCOR Sees Long-Term Industry Potential
Despite the weaker first-quarter results, Tengco expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for the Philippine gaming sector. He said operators continue to pursue investments tied to integrated resorts, digital technology and responsible gaming programs.
“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,” Tengco said.
PAGCOR added that industry operators continue to expand and modernize their businesses despite the slower start to the year. The regulator pointed to ongoing investment in digital innovation and resort development projects as factors expected to support future recovery.
The decline in electronic gaming revenue marked one of the largest changes across the industry’s segments during the quarter. The sector includes online and electronic gaming platforms alongside bingo and poker operations, which collectively experienced lower demand compared with the same period in 2025.
Dividend Contribution Supports Government Programs
Alongside its industry update, PAGCOR highlighted its PHP5.67 billion ($92 million) dividend remittance to the national government. According to Tengco, the contribution will help provide fiscal resources for programs intended to address the effects of the global oil crisis and support economic and social initiatives.
The regulator did not indicate whether current economic conditions would continue affecting gaming revenues in the coming quarters, though officials signaled expectations for gradual recovery if consumer sentiment improves.