The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has revealed that the country’s licensed online gaming sector generated Php69 billion (approx. €1.04 billion) in license fees in the first seven months of 2025.

In a report to the House Committee on Games and Amusements, PAGCOR said that online gaming had emerged as one of the government’s biggest revenue drivers this year, while warning of the risk of unregulated sites targeting Filipino players.

Of the total license fees generated between January and July 2025, Php41 billion came from electronic games (E-Games), and Php28 billion was derived from other online gaming offerings.

This meant that online gaming contributed Php27.47 billion to nation-building, funding corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, including Php14.72 billion for the Universal Health Care Law.

Other projects that will benefit from the online gaming sector are a number of PAGCOR’s flagship CSR projects, including the construction of school buildings, socio-civic centers, wellness centers and E-Learning hubs.

“Because of its huge potential, online gaming has become an important source of funds for our nation-building commitments, including PAGCOR’s support for education, health care, and community development,” said PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro H Tengco.

“Every peso we collect from the gaming sector translates to meaningful projects such as classrooms for our children, health programs for our people, and safe spaces for communities in times of calamity. This is how we ensure that gaming directly benefits Filipinos.”

Tengco also warned of the growing threat of illegal online gambling operators that entice players of all ages without safeguards.

“These illegal sites not only deprive the government of much-needed revenues but also expose Filipino players to numerous risks,” he said.

Tengco has vowed stronger enforcement against these platforms.

“PAGCOR is committed to strengthening regulation and enforcement to ensure that only legitimate and properly monitored operators are allowed to operate,” he added.