The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) is guiding the country’s e-games and e-bingo sector through a necessary transition toward stricter safeguards and more transparent operations, according to chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco.
Speaking at a gathering of the Association of Independent Licensed Gaming and Amusement Operators Inc. (AILGAO) in Muntinlupa City, Tengco acknowledged that recent reforms, while prompting adjustments, are shaping a more responsible industry.
A key reform cited by Tengco is the mandatory de-linking of e-wallets from online gaming platforms, a measure intended to strengthen the credibility of legitimate operators and prevent potential harm to young and vulnerable players.
He said that while the e-games and e-bingo segment still grew 17.4 percent in the third quarter compared with the same period last year, the de-linking policy triggered a temporary gross gaming revenue (GGR) decline in August and September.
“You may be interested to know that in the third quarter of 2025, we recorded an industry GGR that was a bit lower than last year,” Tengco said.
“But this reflects an industry transitioning to stronger and safer practices,” he said.
Tengco said these reforms are not obstacles but safeguards designed to protect players, businesses and the entire ecosystem. He commended the licensed operators for their resilience and willingness to comply with more stringent rules, recognizing them as the “backbone” of the legitimate online gaming sector.
He also issued a warning about illegal operators who continue to expand aggressively without paying taxes or observing player protection protocols, exposing players to financial fraud and data theft.
“The worst part is, they damage the reputation of the entire industry, including the legitimate ones,” he said.
AILGAO presented Tengco with a “Gaming Exemplary Leadership Award” for his support of licensed operators and championing safer gaming standards.
AILGAO president Rafael Tabora welcomed the reforms, pledging the group’s full cooperation.
“We welcome these reforms because they strengthen the legitimacy of our operations and create a safer environment for our players,” said Tabora.
