PAGCOR CEO and Chairman Alejandro H. Tengo spoke clearly at the Light & Wonder Symposium in Pasay City. Instead of silence on the issue, he stressed once again that a total online gambling ban would backfire. Players, he explained, would not stop betting. Instead, they would simply move to the black market.
Because of this, he argued, the government would not only lose tax revenue but also job opportunities and oversight of player safety.
Push for Responsible iGaming
Moreover, Tengo outlined how iGaming in the Philippines should focus on responsible growth. He reminded the audience that growth alone is not enough. For the sector to thrive, it must develop safely, fairly, and in a way that protects Filipino players.
For that reason, PAGCOR already tightened advertising rules and is pushing for greater industry compliance. At the same time, the agency continues its role in public service, with recent donations of emergency vehicles to rural communities.
The Bigger Picture in the Philippines
Meanwhile, the broader iGaming landscape in the Philippines faces strong challenges. Since the ban on POGOs, combined with tougher banking rules, many operators and e-wallet suppliers have exited. As a result, recent reports suggest the market may have shrunk by up to 50%.
In addition, the Senate, led by Senator Erwin Tulfo, plans to launch a thorough inquiry into the impact of online gambling. Against this backdrop, Tengo argued that smart regulation, transparent practices, and compliance can secure a sustainable and globally competitive iGaming sector.
For readers seeking further market analysis, explore our iGaming News section.
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