The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has now postponed the sale of its government-owned casinos to 2026.
A few months back, PAGCOR officially announced they would sell their 45 government-owned casinos and gaming halls to privatize the gaming industry and focus solely on regulation. This move is essential to legitimizing the industry and building player trust.
For years, many critics have accused PAGCOR of a conflict of interest, given that they own and regulate casinos in the Philippines. PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco told reporters that ” since day one, we have been very vocal about our plans to focus solely on PAGCOR’s role as a regulator.” Tengco said this move will “provide a level playing field” for stakeholders.
The regulating body has also announced plans to upgrade its 9 Casino Filipino brick-and-mortar locations with new slot machines and gaming tables to maximize their value before sale. Tengco said, “With all these initiatives and preparations, we are confident that the Philippines… will remain at the forefront of gaming industry innovations in the Asia-Pacific region.”
How Many Casinos Are In The Philippines?
There are more than 40 local gambling destinations in the Philippines, with most casinos in the Manila metropolitan area. The Philippines has more than 7,600 islands and an estimated population north of 114 million.
Manila casinos are conveniently located near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and are geared towards tourism.
Can I Play Online Casinos In The Philippines?
Legal online casinos in the country are offered from domestic and offshore casino sites. There are no laws making online casinos illegal; however, it is suggested that Filipinos only play licensed sites that offer player protections.
President Marcos recently banned the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) program. The program formally licensed online casinos to operate from the Philippines but only allowed them to accept players from outside the country. After pushback from prominent businesspeople, senators, and other government officials, Marcos effectively banned the industry in July 2024. After the program was reversed, foreign workers were given two months to leave the country.
How Much Does PAGCOR Expect To Earn From The Sale Of Its Casinos?
The Philippines expects to net around ₱50bn (£682m/€807m/$891m) from the sale of its government-owned casinos. Some stipulations regarding the sale include that the purchaser must retain 50-70 of the current staff.