A new page in the Philippines’ gaming online sector is being written today as we speak. In 2024, the Philippines’ gambling industry recorded a record-high gross gaming revenue (GGR) of ₱410 billion (about $7.16 billion), as per figures released by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This represented a 24.6% growth year-over-year, where iGaming Philippines revenue was the major driver of growth. Today in 2025, PAGCOR sees total GGR increasing by a further 17% to ₱450–480 billion ($7.8–8.3 billion), driven primarily by continued growth in online gaming platforms and casino play.
The digital transformation is evident, even as physical casinos continue to play a significant role. However, increased mobile accessibility, legal changes, and growing demand for online casino platforms are driving the Philippines’ online betting growth.
The Numbers Behind the Surge
In 2024, the Philippine iGaming industry earned around ₱154.5 billion (~USD 2.6 billion), a 165% increase from the year before—and the government’s ₱100 billion target in September. Now, in 2025, that market is contributing even more significantly, as e‑games remain to lead the way in growth.
Electronics games and e‑bingo alone contributed ₱51.4 billion in Q1 2025—49.4% of the aggregate Q1 gross gaming revenue (GGR) of ₱104.1 billion, surpassing the traditional casino for the very first time. That’s almost half of the quarterly industry revenue generated digitally with e-casinos and casinos still generating significant revenues.
Meanwhile, traditional land‑based casinos pulled in around ₱49.3 billion in that same quarter. Extrapolating from early 2025 trends, PAGCOR forecasts total GGR expanding by 17% this year to between ₱450–480 billion ($7.8–8.3 billion). Importantly, most of that growth is expected to come from online channels.
What’s Fueling Online Growth?
Several factors are driving the expansion of the Philippines gambling sector, especially online:
- Regulatory Support: PAGCOR made strategic adjustments in 2024, including reducing licensing fees for eGames and eBingo operators from 55% to 30% of GGR. These changes have made it more viable for licensed operators to scale and reinvest, while also discouraging unregulated competitors.
- Smartphone Penetration: As mobile internet access improves across the country, more Filipinos are accessing online gambling platforms. Most online players now use affordable Android smartphones to place bets on e-casinos, sports, or bingo.
- Platform Innovation: Major local brands like BingoPlus and Solaire Online have invested heavily in digital user experience, mobile optimization, and localized content, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
- Shift in Consumer Behavior: Filipinos are increasingly seeking entertainment options that are on-demand, cashless, and mobile-friendly. Online gambling, for better or worse, fits all three.
The Role of POGO Closures
In November 2024, the government ordered the closure of all offshore Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) amid concerns around money laundering and illegal employment practices. While this move disrupted parts of the industry, especially employment, it had limited impact on domestic revenue. Instead, it redirected regulatory focus and consumer trust toward licensed, local operators.
This shift, in turn, helped legitimize the iGaming market trends in the Philippines, drawing more players to officially sanctioned platforms.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
Although it will need careful regulation, the Philippines’ online gaming business appears to have a bright future. By the end of 2025, GGR is predicted by PAGCOR to reach ₱450–480 billion, with online revenue likely to contribute even more.
Here are some trends and concerns worth watching out for:
- Responsible Gambling:
As more people play online, there is a pressing need for more effective efforts to promote responsible gambling and stronger player protection laws.
- Technology Investment:
Operators will need to make investments in fraud protection, cybersecurity, and seamless mobile user experience in order to remain competitive. Gamers anticipate a seamless and safe experience, particularly when using real money.
- Provincial Expansion:
Although the internet business is presently dominated by urban areas like Metro Manila, there is unrealized potential in provincial areas where mobile coverage is fast expanding.
- Tax and Licensing Policy:
Although recent expansion has been driven by reduced taxes, the government may review these incentives as the market develops. That might affect operators’ future profit margins.
Balancing Growth and Responsibility
The Philippine gambling industry is in the middle of a dramatic shift—one characterized by fast-paced digital adoption and a surge in iGaming activity in the Philippines. With Philippines gambling revenue data indicating record-setting performance in 2024 and expectations of sustained growth in 2025, it’s apparent that the online sector is no longer an afterthought. From Philippine online casino revenue to mobile-first sports betting platforms, digital is emerging as the key driving force of industry momentum.
Customers now have more options than ever before with a more open and varied online gambling sector. However, more access necessitates increased awareness. The key to sustainability will be player education and responsible play as platforms become more complex and integrated into daily digital life.
Finally, the future of the Philippines iGaming market rests on the ability to balance innovation and responsibility. With facilitating regulation, a dedication to sustainable expansion, and ongoing investment in digital infrastructure, the Philippines gaming industry is poised for another robust year—year in which expansion is not only quantifiable but also manageable.
