The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced that it will transition to a complete regulatory commission and sell its government-owned casinos to privatize the industry.
Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, Alejandro H. Tengco, released a statement giving a two-year timeline for the sale of all PAGCOR-owned casinos. Tengco stated that the strategic shift is to ensure the industry’s growth. The chairman also stressed that they wish to retain current employees dedicated to the operation of government-owned casinos and are working on finding a new place for those current employees.
PAGCOR has also stated that they intend to continue combating illegal gambling activities and have updated new regulations for international gaming licenses. Domestic casinos are not allowed to offer their services online, but offshore casinos are allowed when licensed by a trusted gaming oversight committee.
How Many Casinos Are Owned By PAGCOR?
According to the Manila Bulletin, the Philippine regulator, PAGCOR, owns 41 casinos nationwide. The estimated value of all their casinos is around P80 billion.
While it is safe to say that the sale of all PAGCOR-owned casinos is inevitable, there is some confusion, given the recent announcement of a state-of-the-art online 3D casino under the name Casino Filipino. According to sources, a lot still needs to be discovered about the new online casino venture, but it is scheduled to launch in 2025.
What Online Casinos Are Legal In The Philippines?
The only legal online casinos in the Philippines are operated outside the country and licensed by a trusted gaming commission. The Philippine government has suggested that players research before gambling online to ensure they are playing with a licensed site with current compliance records indicating that the odds are fair. Gaming regulators also check that firewalls and encryption techniques are up-to-date and working correctly.
To learn more about which sites are legal in the Philippines, see our guide to the most trusted online casinos and learn more about each site and what they offer their account holders. In addition to a list of games, including blackjack, roulette, video poker, slots, and much more, we discuss the banking options, reward perks, and bonus options.