PAGCOR Reports 49% Revenue Drop Following Restrictions on Payment Apps for Online Gambling

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced a 49% decline in revenues since August 2025 after restrictions were imposed on payment apps linked to online gambling platforms. During a legislative hearing, PAGCOR stated that it had expected to reach ₱60 billion (~US $1 billion) in annual revenues, but the recent measures “are seriously affecting” this projection.

The decline is mainly attributed to two factors: the blocking of direct links between e-wallets and online gambling sites, ordered by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the implementation of a ₱500 minimum deposit (~US $8.50), which reduced participation from frequent players.

The regulator also warned that the revenue drop affects national collections and social programs such as PhilHealth, while intensifying the use of AI-based detection technologies to combat illegal gambling.

For the global iGaming industry, this situation offers key lessons:

• Deposit ease is critical for player activation and retention.

• Changing regulations can quickly reshape business models.

• Diversification of payment methods and adaptable compliance strategies are essential for operational stability.

  
  

In a market where online gambling contributes only 0.37% of GDP, its role in the economy and public funds remains significant. This 49% decline marks a turning point for the regulated ecosystem in the Philippines, reminding operators, providers, and aggregators of the importance of anticipating regulatory changes and strengthening compliance and payment systems to sustain long-term growth.