Philippine gambling industry continues to decline in Q3 2026

Slowdown in electronic gaming revenue impacts industry revenue in third quarter

The Philippine gambling industry posted an 11.4 per cent drop in gross gaming revenue (GGR) to P83.72 billion in the third quarter of 2026, weighed down by weaker electronic gaming revenue.

The year-on-year decline was mostly attributed to the electronic gaming sector, including E-Bingo, E-Games and Bingo grantees, which saw GGR fall 22.9 per cent to P35.28 billion.

PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said that inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties continued to affect consumer spending, particularly on discretionary activities.

"These conditions have affected spending on discretionary activities, including gaming, and contributed to the weaker performance of certain segments," he said.

Despite the decline in overall industry performance, licensed casinos remained relatively stable, with GGR down just 0.4 per cent at P45.38 billion.

The licensed casino segment accounted for 54.2 per cent of total industry revenue during the quarter, making it the largest contributor to industry GGR.

PAGCOR-operated casinos generated P3.03 billion in the third quarter, a 4.8 per cent decrease year-on-year.

Tengco noted that while industry revenue slowed down, the pace of contraction moderated compared with the second quarter, when GGR fell 20.3 per cent.

"We recognize the challenges facing the industry, but the slower pace of decline in the third quarter is an encouraging development," he continued. "We will continue to work closely with our licensees to strengthen industry performance while ensuring that gaming activities are conducted responsibly and in accordance with regulatory standards."