The Philippine gaming sector recorded a sharp slowdown in the opening quarter of 2026 as inflation and global geopolitical tensions weighed on consumer spending.
In a statement released Saturday, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reported that gross gaming revenues (GGR) reached P87.60 billion from January to March, marking a 15.87% decline from the P104.12 billion posted during the same period last year.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the downturn was largely linked to weaker consumer spending caused by rising inflation and instability in the Middle East tied to the ongoing fuel crisis.
According to Tengco, the decline was primarily driven by the softer performance of the electronic gaming segment, which includes E-Games, E-Bingo, bingo, and poker operations. Combined revenues from these sectors fell 22.43% year-on-year.
Licensed casinos emerged as the industry’s top revenue source during the quarter, generating P44.52 billion or 50.83% of total gaming revenues.
Meanwhile, the electronic gaming segment contributed P39.90 billion, accounting for 45.55% of the overall GGR.
PAGCOR-operated casinos made up the remaining 3.62%, contributing P3.17 billion to the industry’s total earnings.
Despite the weaker performance, Tengco expressed optimism that the sector could rebound once geopolitical tensions ease and consumer confidence improves.
