Big Changes in Philippine Gaming: PAGCOR’s Fresh Start

As the calendar flips to April 1st, big news sweeps through the Philippines’ gaming scene. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has decided to lower the fees for gaming operators, setting the stage for an invigorated sector.

This isn’t just a minor tweak. It’s a strategic overhaul aimed at making the Philippines a magnet for gaming businesses worldwide. With lower operational costs, the hope is to attract more players to this vibrant market.

Strategic Fee Adjustments

In a groundbreaking move, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has rolled out significant fee reductions for gaming operators effective April 1. This decision by PAGCOR’s Chairman and CEO, Alejandro Tengco, marks a formidable step towards boosting the attractiveness of the Philippine gaming landscape on a global scale. By aligning the fee structures with international standards, they aim to enhance competitive play and encourage transparency.

Driving Growth

Alejandro Tengco underscored the essential roles of integrated casinos and electronic games in amplifying the Filipino gaming market. The recent shift in strategies is expected to propel substantial growth within this sector.

This strategic pivot also includes the formulation of policies favoring the official licensing of formerly illegal operations, aiming to regularize and expand the legal gaming framework.

Towards Privatization

Amidst changes, PAGCOR is transitioning towards a dedicated regulatory role. By late 2025, it anticipates fully privatizing its current casino operations, paving the way for increased investment and innovation in the gaming industry.

The ongoing misinformation about the imminent
privatization and associated costs, particularly the ₱500m proposed renovations of Casino Filipino in Angeles City, was robustly addressed by Tengco.

He clarified that the renovations would not burden PAGCOR financially but would instead be managed by the private sector, ensuring transparency and reducing public misconceptions about the transition.

Innovative Steps Forward

With an eye on future trends and opportunities, PAGCOR has also ventured into iGaming, launching its website in early 2024. This move highlights its initiative to keep pace with the evolving digital landscape of gaming.

PAGCOR’s strategic endeavors underline its commitment to maintaining a dynamic and competitive gaming sector, setting a benchmark for regulatory practices and market sustainability.


As the dust settles on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) recent financial strategy overhaul, it’s clear that their bold moves are setting the stage for a robust future in gaming. By introducing lower fees and embracing privatization, PAGcontract is not only appealing to global gaming operators but also paving the way for a healthier, more competitive market.

The strategic adjustments ensure that the Philippines remains an attractive destination for gaming enterprises, with a regulatory framework that encourages both growth and transparency. It’s a promising horizon for the industry, with PAGCOR steering towards innovative advancements and positive changes.

This evolution represents a significant shift in the gaming landscape, promising higher stakes and bigger opportunities for all involved. With these progressive changes, the future looks bright for the Philippine gaming sector.