The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced that they plan to sell their 45 government-owned casinos to privatize the industry and focus on regulating all gambling entities throughout the country.
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco told the House Appropriations Committee that the sale of the casinos will start in the third quarter of 2025. Tengco said President Marcos approved the privatization of PAGCOR’s owned casinos and that their goal is to increase the value of what they will privatize.
Chairman Tengco also stated that PAGCOR is consulting with the Department of Finance to determine if PAGCOR should remain a government-owned corporation or become a private agency tasked with overseeing the gambling industry.
Does PAGCOR Own Any Online Casinos?
PAGCOR does not own any online casinos, but they have announced that they will launch an online casino under the Casino Filipino brand in 2024. PAGCOR does regulate online casinos in the country through their controversial Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGO) program.
POGO license holders cannot offer their services to the Philippines but can offer their services to other nearby countries. Many business owners and government officials have called to disband the POGO program, claiming the industry is responsible for violent crimes throughout the country.
What Are The Best Options For Online Casinos In The Philippines?
Legal online casinos in the Philippines operate from offshore gambling districts. The Philippine government has suggested that residents only gamble with trusted sites that a trusted gaming regulator licenses. Since no laws have been enacted to outlaw online gambling, Filipinos have multiple online casino options outside the country.
The best online casino options for Philippine residents can be found in our online PH casino reviews guide. The gambling sites we recommend offer many perks, including bonus options, reward programs, and flexible banking options.
Will PAGCOR’s Online Casino Be Offered To PH Residents?
PAGCOR has yet to announce whether their new online casino will be available to Philippine residents, but it is unlikely based on the current regulation. The new online casino set to be launched in early 2024 will engage the latest 3D technology.