The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) has recently set a new gross gaming revenue (GGR) share rate for live sports betting. In a memo dated January 19, Jessa Mariz Fernandez, who leads PAGCOR’s e-games licensing department, announced a reduction in the share rate to 15% for live sports games, down from the previous rate of 17.5% that has been in place since January of last year. The state-run regulator retained a higher share rate of 30% for virtual betting, stating that the new rates would apply retroactively starting from the November 2025 billing period.
This announcement comes as PAGCOR introduces new minimum guaranteed fees (MGFs) for online gaming operators. Effective from April 1 and extending through September, all licensed gaming system administrators (GSAs) offering e-games will be required to pay monthly minimum fees of PHP9 billion. GSAs that do not offer e-games will need to pay PHP4 million a month. These rates will increase to PHP10.5 million and PHP4 million respectively starting October 1. Fernandez remarked that these new requirements are aimed at closing gaps in the current fee structure, supporting fairness, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
The growth in the Philippines’ online gaming sector is noteworthy. During a speaking engagement at ICE Barcelona on January 21, PAGCOR chief Alejandro Tengco emphasized that the fee adjustments will contribute to nation-building and foster transparency. He stated, "Regulation is not about avoiding discomfort; it is about building a system that is resilient, accountable and worthy of public trust."
In his address, Tengco highlighted the Philippines as a leading example of regulatory reform in the digital age, referencing the government’s ban on Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) in 2024 due to their association with organized crime, including fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking. Since implementing the POGO ban, PAGCOR has strengthened know-your-customer and ID verification processes and has limited gambling advertisements, both in public spaces and on television.
The online gaming industry in the Philippines continues to thrive. In the first half of 2025, PAGCOR reported a GGR of PHP214.75 billion, a 26% increase compared to 2024. Of this total, land-based gaming contributed PHP93.36 billion, a decrease of 5.85% from the previous year, while e-games soared to PHP114.83 billion, reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth of 82.67%. According to a Statista report referenced by the Filipino Business Hub, the Philippines' online gaming market is projected to generate PHP103 billion by 2027, fueled by a youthful, digitally-savvy population and high mobile penetration, especially in urban areas. Additionally, Gartner's 2024 Southeast Asia digital infrastructure report placed the Philippines second globally in mobile gaming readiness, trailing only Singapore.
