The Philippine gaming regulatory body PAGCOR has released the latest data showing that in the first seven months before 2025, the Philippine online gaming industry has contributed 69 billion pesos (approximately 1.2 billion USD/12 billion RMB) in license fees, becoming a significant pillar of government revenue. However, as the industry rapidly develops, a large number of illegal gambling websites are also expanding secretly, not only draining national tax revenue but also placing players in an unprotected gray area, causing strong social concerns.
In a report to the Philippine Congress Committee on Games and Amusement, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco pointed out that just electronic gaming (E-Games) alone contributed 41 billion pesos (716 million USD), with the remaining online gaming revenue being 28 billion pesos (489 million USD). These funds are widely used for education, medical care, and community development, including providing 14.7 billion pesos (257 million USD) in financial support for the "Universal Healthcare Act".
Tengco emphasized: "The revenue from gaming translates into real classrooms, health projects, and safe spaces during disasters. Every peso is directly transformed into help for the Filipinos." He cited examples where, driven by gaming revenue, the construction of school buildings, community centers, health stations, and e-learning centers are being accelerated.
However, the other side of the industry is unsettling. Tengco openly stated that illegal gambling platforms are still rampant, causing the government to lose substantial tax revenue, and players are taking high risks in an unregulated environment. He bluntly stated: "This is not only a financial loss but also a threat to public safety." PAGCOR has vowed to further increase law enforcement efforts to ensure that only legal and compliant platforms can operate.
Industry insiders warn that as gambling funds gradually become the "lifeline" of the nation, the government's dependency on it increases. If illegal platforms continue to spread, the economy, fiscal health, and social order could all face severe impacts.
Meanwhile, PAGCOR is also actively demonstrating its "charitable side". On September 3, the agency held a ceremony at its headquarters in Pasig City, handing over a new batch of Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to seven local governments nationwide, helping to open new "lifelines" for remote and medically underserved communities.
The regions receiving these vehicles include: Las Piñas City in Metro Manila, Tacloban City in Leyte, Busuanga Town in Palawan, San Manuel Town in Tarlac, Mexico Town in Pampanga, Kibawe Town in Bukidnon, and Indang Town in Cavite.
During the vehicle handover ceremony, Tengco stated: "This is not just about delivering a few vehicles, but about saving more lives." He pointed out that many local medical conditions are inadequate, and patients often miss the optimal rescue time due to transfer delays, while these vehicles will effectively fill the gap.
It is understood that the donated transport vehicles are equipped with GPS navigation systems, stretchers, medical oxygen cylinders, wheelchairs, and first aid kits, truly serving as "mobile lifelines" that can quickly and safely transport patients in emergencies.
Statistics show that PAGCOR has so far donated 51 emergency vehicles to local governments, public hospitals, frontline institutions, and some military units. This initiative not only echoes President Marcos Jr.'s policy of "strengthening emergency medical services" but also highlights the longstanding shortcomings of the medical system in remote areas of the Philippines.
Many netizens commented: "The ambulance is the line between life and death. This time, at least the money from the casinos really saved people."
