(Photo courtesy of PNA)
The Philippine gaming industry recorded an 11.41 percent decline in gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the third quarter of 2026, weighed down by weaker electronic gaming earnings and softer consumer spending, according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
In a statement Friday, PAGCOR reported that industry-wide GGR fell to Php 83.72 billion from Php 94.51 billion in the same period last year.
PAGCOR Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco attributed the decline largely to the continued slowdown in electronic gaming, which had previously been a major contributor to industry revenues.
Electronic gaming, covering e-bingo, e-games and bingo grantees, recorded a 22 percent drop in GGR to Php 35.28 billion during the quarter.
Tengco said inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties continued to influence consumer behavior, particularly spending on nonessential activities.
“These conditions have affected spending on discretionary activities, including gaming, and contributed to the weaker performance of certain segments,” Tengco said.
Casino revenues also decline
Traditional casino operations also registered lower revenues during the July-to-September period.
Licensed casinos generated Php 45.38 billion in GGR, representing a slight decline of 0.40 percent from the same quarter in 2025.
Meanwhile, PAGCOR-operated casinos posted Php 3.03 billion in revenues, down 4.81 percent from Php 3.18 billion a year earlier.
The figures showed that the electronic gaming segment experienced a sharper contraction than traditional casino operations, contributing significantly to the overall industry decline.
Despite the weaker performance, Tengco said the slower pace of revenue contraction during the third quarter offered some encouragement.
“We recognize the challenges facing the industry, but the slower pace of decline in the third quarter is an encouraging development,” he said.
PAGCOR vows continued industry oversight
Tengco assured gaming operators that PAGCOR would continue coordinating with industry stakeholders to address operational challenges and support the sector’s performance.
“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,” he added.
The regulator emphasized the importance of maintaining responsible gaming practices and compliance with existing regulations while navigating economic uncertainties.
The latest figures highlight the impact of weaker consumer spending on the gaming sector, particularly electronic gaming operations, even as licensed casinos recorded a relatively modest decline.
