The gambling industry in the Philippines is expected to grow strongly in 2026, thanks to new casinos opening, more international tourists visiting, and higher interest from local players.
Analysts predict that gross gaming revenue could go over $7 billion, making the Philippines Asia’s second-largest gaming market after Macau. This growth follows PAGCOR’s record results in 2025, driven by strong demand for resorts, slot machines, and VIP gaming.
The government says the local gambling sector is important for creating jobs and increasing tourism income. Investors are also showing more confidence in the future of Manila’s Entertainment City and other regional centers.
Major projects such as the $1.25 billion Westside City casino (pictured above), opening in 2026, along with expansions in Clark and Cebu, are expected to keep the industry growing and make the Philippines a leading destination for gaming operators.
Offshore Online Gambling: A Better Service
Even though traditional casinos get most of the attention, many Filipinos still use legal online gambling sites. These sites, often licensed in places like Malta or Curaçao, usually offer more games, quicker payouts, and better mobile features than local options.
Players say they like offshore platforms because of good customer service, a wide range of games, and bonus offers. They can also play poker anytime and bet on sports online. Plus, casino, poker, and sportsbook features are often combined in one account, making it easy to play for real money anywhere.
Lawmakers Target Domestic Online Gambling
In the Philippines, the future of online gambling is still debated. Lawmakers have started efforts to ban locally licensed online gambling sites, pointing to concerns about addiction, fraud, and social problems. These actions mainly target eGames and eSabong platforms managed by PAGCOR.
Those in favor of the ban say domestic online gambling harms social welfare and puts vulnerable people at risk. Opponents argue that banning it could push more players to offshore sites, which would lower government tax income and make regulation harder. PAGCOR recently said it opposes a total ban and instead supports stricter rules for online gambling.
2026 and Beyond
Tourism is a key reason for the industry’s growth. As international travel returns, casino resorts in Manila’s Entertainment City and Cebu are expected to attract more visitors from the region. Technavio analysts predict the casino gaming market will grow by $3.93 billion from 2024 to 2029, with a 10.4 percent annual growth rate.
Experts say 2026 will be a key year for the industry. With new casinos opening and tourism picking up, the Philippines is set to strengthen its position as a major gaming hub in the region. However, government decisions about online gambling could affect the market, possibly leading more players to use offshore sites if local options are shut down.