Online gambling growth in the Philippines in 2025

The Philippine gambling market is on an upward trajectory, with revenues projected to hit $3.61 billion by 2025, according to Statista. A major contributor to this growth is the online casino segment, which is expected to generate $2.23 billion this year alone. 

This sustained growth reflects both robust consumer demand and favorable market conditions. But what exactly is fuelling this surge, and which factors are likely to support further expansion in 2025 and beyond?

Key drivers of growth in the Philippine iGaming industry

Based on research by Statista, several key factors are facilitating the growth of the online gambling industry. Take a look at them in greater detail in the table below. 

Factor	How it helps grow the industry
🏛️ Government support for PAGCOR	Licensed casinos build legitimacy & trust
🌐 Wider internet accessibility	Increased reach and broader audience
🎰 Strong gambling culture	People embrace online gambling
🎲 Popularity of live dealer games	Realistic experience is a draw
🗺️ Tourism	Widens the target market

PAGCOR support: Legitimising and fueling the industry 

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) remains a critical pillar in the sector’s rise. In 2024, PAGCOR posted record revenues of PHP112 billion (€1.84 billion), with online gambling emerging as a key contributor.

PAGCOR has played a significant role in building trust and transparency. For example, it has cut its licensing fees for online gambling from 35% to 30%. This boosted the number of accredited providers from 49 to 174 by the end of 2024. 

Tightening regulatory restrictions, channelisation, and having a stronger focus on responsible gambling are key trends within the 2025 iGaming industry. This ensures that player safety is at the forefront, resulting in greater trust between players and operators. 

Connectivity & cashless payment fuelling accessibility

Due to the widespread use of the Internet and mobile devices, online gambling has become more accessible in the Philippines. According to Market Research Future, the global mobile gambling market is expected to grow from $74.5 million to $82.84 million from 2024 to 2025. 

Playing online via a desktop, mobile, or tablet is much more convenient than visiting a land-based casino. This increases the reach and broadens the audience for operators.

Online casino payment method GCash is incredibly popular in the Philippines. Its ease of use has greatly contributed to the uptick in online gambling on the archipelago, particularly since the pandemic, allowing users to make instant deposits from their mobiles. 

The Filipino gambling market is expected to have 7.7 million users by 2029. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 5.66%, resulting in a projected market volume of $4.5 billion by 2029.

A nation where gambling is cultural

Statista also highlighted that the Philippines has a strong gambling culture, so much so that Filipinos honour the dead by gambling and playing games such as mahjong at wakes. As found in Rest of World, gambling counselor Teresita Castillo stated that gambling is “part of the Filipino culture”. 

The first legal casino opened in the Philippines in 1977, but the gambling scene has been active since the 1700s. Sabong, or cockfighting, has been a long-standing gambling activity, forming a part of the culture in the Philippines. It is legal in the country, but you can’t bet on it at casinos. 

Still, it highlights how gambling is ingrained within the Filipino culture and explains why there is so much interest in online gambling. People are more likely to embrace online gambling as they are used to playing games of chance. 

Rise of live dealer games: Realism meets technology

Live dealer games are becoming more prevalent at online casinos, helping to grow the industry. They offer players a more immersive experience that emulates real play at land-based casinos. 

The quality of live dealer casino games has also improved due to HD streaming, better camera angles, and stronger internet connectivity. These features create a more realistic gaming experience in people’s homes, and the live dealer adds an extra layer of trust and transparency. 

Interactivity during live dealer games is another key characteristic that adds a social element, allowing players to interact with each other and the dealer via a live chat. As a result, this aids in player retention and attracts younger demographics searching for a digital and social experience. 

Tourism’s influence on online gambling 

The Philippines’ efforts to promote casino tourism are bearing fruit, and the digital gambling industry benefits from this influx.

High-visibility campaigns in airports and Metro Manila, including celebrity-endorsed billboards, help create positive associations with gambling, both online and offline. These efforts aim not just at tourists, but also at international investors and partners.

As a result, many tourists are drawn to locally licensed online casinos, expanding the potential customer base during their stay and boosting cross-border visibility for Filipino brands.

Challenges on the horizon

Despite the encouraging signs within the Filipino gambling industry, there are some evident problems as well, such as: 

• Regulatory issues 

• Problem gambling 

• Illegal gambling and criminal activity 

Unfortunately, some operators have abused the power they have been granted through PAGCOR licensing. This has led to some running money laundering scams and engaging in other criminal activities. 

Instances that have hit the media have painted gambling companies in a negative light, thus limiting their trustworthiness and creating a poor public perception. 

Offshore gaming operators are also creating distrust and a negative public image. However, regulatory actions aim to provide better stability within the Filipino market. 

Responsible gambling needs more investment

With more people participating in gambling activities, there has been a marked increase in problem gambling and addiction. This is exacerbated due to easier access to gambling due to the convenience of online play. For example, the accessibility of GCash and the rise of offshore casinos. 

The Philippines still lacks a comprehensive, government-backed infrastructure for addiction support, leaving vulnerable users without clear paths to recovery. Stakeholders are calling for mandatory self-exclusion tools, better player education, and more funding for addiction services. Until this can be properly addressed, the economic growth brought about by online casinos will continue to put sections of society at risk. 

References 

Gambling - Philippines | Statista Market Forecast. (2025). Statista. https://www.statista.com/outlook/amo/gambling/philippines

Fletcher, R. (2025, January 31). Online gambling growth drives Pagcor revenue to record PHP112 billion in 2024. IGB. https://igamingbusiness.com/finance/pagcor-revenue-record-2024/ 

Schuengel, F. (2024, June 17). The changing face of the gambling industry in the Philippines | AGB. Asia Gaming News | AGB - Asia Gaming Brief. https://agbrief.com/news/philippines/17/06/2024/the-changing-face-of-the-gambling-industry-in-the-philippines/

Kho, P. (2024, October 16). The most popular payment app in the Philippines has a side bet: online gambling. Rest of World. https://restofworld.org/2024/philippines-gcash-online-gambling-addiction/

https ://www.marketresearchfuture.com, M. R. F. (n.d.). Mobile Gambling Market Size, Share, Industry Demand, Global Analysis, 2032. Www.marketresearchfuture.com. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/mobile-gambling-market-5142