The Philippines is currently Asia’s number 3 casino hub, but that is likely to change with more than $6 billion in casino investments on the horizon.
Currently sitting behind Singapore in Asia’s casino market, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman Alejandro Tengco said that if Singapore expands, it will stay strong. Tengco referenced new casino projects and noted that the latest resort casinos should boost visitor numbers and help aid the decline of Chinese tourist arrivals.
The Philippines expects revenue growth over the next few years and is expected to gross $6.1 billion this year. Last year, the Philippines saw a new record for gross gaming revenue of $5.1 billion.
Tourism has been dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and numbers have still not returned to normal. The Philippines aims to attract 7.7 million foreign tourists this year after only gathering 5.45 million last year.
Last year, Chinese tourists only comprised 15% of the tourism market. Philippine casinos typically cater to locals and visitors from South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Are Online Casinos Legal In The Philippines?
Yes, you can legally gamble online in the Philippines if the casino is licensed and regulated by a trusted gaming commission. The Philippines prohibits domestic casinos from operating online without a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) license. A POGO license only allows domestic casinos to operate online in other nearby countries, not the Philippines.
A lot can change in the coming years as PAGCOR looks to pivot from casino ownership to strict regulation. Legal online casinos will continue to operate but might face domestic competition once PAGCOR launches its state-of-the-art online 3D casino.
What Online Casino Games Can Be Accessed Online?
Online, the options are near limitless, with tons of titles and variations for every classic casino game imaginable. Popular games include blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, video poker, keno, and live dealer games, among others.
The most trusted PH online casinos accept players over the age of 18. Once you have started an account and funded your online bankroll, you can start wagering on real-money online casino games.
How Many New Casinos Are Expected To Open In The Philippines In 2024?
Several new casino projects are coming to the metropolitan Manila casino district, but as far as opening, there is no telling. Many of the casino projects in the Philippines have hit delays and have pushed back their projected opening date. Officials have stated that at least one new casino will open in the Philippines every two years over the next five years.