Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation

What this authority does

PAGCOR occupies a position that most jurisdictions have deliberately avoided: it is simultaneously the regulator of Philippine gambling and the operator of a chain of state-owned casinos. That dual role has been the subject of long-running reform discussion, including proposals to separate the two functions and to privatise the operating arm.

For the international industry, the Philippines was known chiefly for offshore licensing. Operators licensed there served customers in other countries, principally elsewhere in Asia, under arrangements that drew sustained criticism over crime and labour abuses. The offshore gaming sector was ordered shut down from the end of 2024, which removed one of the few Asian licensing routes used by internationally facing operators.

Domestically, licensed online play through e-games and e-bingo platforms has grown quickly, and the regulatory attention has shifted to advertising, age verification and the social consequences of easy mobile access.

Licences it issues

• Domestic e-games and e-bingo licence
• Integrated resort licence
• Land-based casino licence

What supervision concentrates on

• Licensing and supervision
• Operation of state casinos
• Revenue collection
• Enforcement against unlicensed operators

Markets on file under this authority