Clarifying the Numbers Behind Online Gambling Participation

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has clarified that there are roughly 10 million active adult users on legal e-gaming platforms—a far lower figure than previously reported estimates of over 30 million.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro “Al” Tengco made the statement during a Senate Committee on Games and Amusement hearing, addressing claims by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian that cited 32 million online gambling users in 2025.

Tengco explained that the 32.117 million represents registered accounts, not unique players. Many users hold multiple accounts across operators, often switching platforms based on performance or promotions.

“The 10 million active players are those who regularly participate on legal, licensed platforms under PAGCOR’s regulation,” Tengco clarified.

Average Spending and Market Share Breakdown

Tengco revealed that each active player spends an average of ₱4,000, though the timeframe for that spending was not specified. He further highlighted that legal operators account for 55–60% of the country’s online gambling market, while the rest remains unregulated.

The legal segment includes platforms directly licensed and monitored by PAGCOR, but the regulator acknowledges the persistence of offshore and illegal apps that operate outside its jurisdiction.

These figures, Tengco noted, capture only compliant activity, underscoring the extent to which unlicensed websites still shape market behavior.

Senate Scrutiny Over Market Transparency

The Senate discussion forms part of a broader policy effort to bring clarity and accountability to the Philippines’ online gambling sector. Gatchalian’s earlier reference to 32 million users had painted the picture of near-nationwide participation, but PAGCOR’s distinction between registered and active accounts drastically reframes that narrative.

For lawmakers, the revelation highlights two issues:

  1. Inflated registration data driven by multi-account users.
  2. Incomplete market tracking, as offshore betting remains largely undocumented.

These gaps could influence future decisions on taxation, player protection, and the scale of responsible gambling measures applied within the domestic market.

Legal Market Continues to Expand

Despite these challenges, PAGCOR’s figures show that regulated e-gaming continues to grow. Millions of Filipinos now gamble through official platforms, contributing substantial volumes via verified operators.

However, Tengco cautioned that while legal play dominates, it does not yet encompass the full market. The parallel shadow economy—risks from offshore operators and unregulated digital access—remains a concern for policymakers seeking greater transparency and consumer protection.

Summary

PAGCOR’s confirmation that 10 million Filipinos are active legal online gamblers reshapes the understanding of the nation’s betting landscape. By differentiating between registered and active participants, the regulator underscores both the progress of legal gaming supervision and the continued challenge of curbing offshore participation in the Philippines’ rapidly expanding digital gambling market.