The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is on a winning streak, reporting a record-breaking gross gaming revenue (GGR) of P214.8 billion in the first half of 2025—fueling an impressive surge in government earnings and public service funding.
This milestone in GGR translated into P59 billion in total revenues for PAGCOR, marking a 14 percent increase from last year’s P51.8 billion. The result: bigger contributions to national development programs.
According to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, the agency remitted P38.1 billion toward nation-building—up 20 percent from P31.8 billion during the same period last year.
Gaming for good
“At the heart of our mission is this: transforming gaming revenues into meaningful public impact,” Tengco said.
Of the total contribution, P25.36 billion went to the National Treasury as the government’s mandated share. From that amount:
- P30 million was allocated to the Dangerous Drugs Board
- Around P12.7 billion, or half of the remaining sum, was given to PhilHealth to support universal healthcare programs
Tengco noted that under the Universal Healthcare Law or Republic Act 11223, half of PAGCOR’s National Treasury remittances are allocated to PhilHealth. He added that if this performance continues, PAGCOR’s healthcare contribution could reach P25 billion by yearend—enough to deliver P10,000 worth of health assistance to more than 2.5 million Filipinos.
Where the money came from
Most of PAGCOR’s revenue—P53.4 billion—came from gaming operations and license fees, driven by the strong performance of both digital platforms and land-based casinos. An additional P5.7 billion came from other services and non-gaming income.
Gaming revenues alone rose by 17.7 percent year-on-year, underscoring the strength of the country’s regulated gaming sector.
Where the money went
PAGCOR also fulfilled its financial responsibilities and civic commitments, including:
- Php2.7 billion in franchise taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue
- Php7.9 billion to socio-civic projects such as the President’s Social Fund
- Php1.3 billion to the Philippine Sports Commission
- Php341 million to local government units hosting Casino Filipino branches
- Php269.2 million in corporate income tax
- Php157.35 million to the Renewable Energy Trust Fund
- Php109.2 million to the Board of Claims
A profitable public partner
PAGCOR’s net income climbed to P10.8 billion in the first half of 2025, up 64.3 percent from P6.6 billion in the same period last year.
“This performance reaffirms our role as a key partner in national development,” Tengco said. “We are committed to strengthening regulation and ensuring that revenues from regulated gaming continue to serve the public good.”
As PAGCOR balances profitability with public service, its growing contributions demonstrate that responsible gaming can be a strong force for inclusive national progress.