PAGCOR is on track to privatize all Casino Filipino branches by late 2026 or early 2027 and considers the transition achievable.
PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco said the sale of the state‑run casinos could generate PHP30 billion to PHP50 billion in revenue, consistent with earlier projections.
The gambling regulator aims to achieve its long-term goal by stepping away from casino operations and focusing on regulation. Tengco noted that the agency is awaiting the Governance Commission for Government‑Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) to complete its review before starting the process. Once the GCG approves, the agency will begin the sale, marking one of the most significant structural changes in the Philippine gaming sector in decades.
Industry analysts say privatization could lead to more private‑sector investment, upgrades in casino operations, and a cleaner regulatory environment. The move may attract new entrants, drive innovation, and create growth opportunities in the Philippine gaming sector. However, it also brings challenges, including questions about staffing, regional casino viability, and the long‑term identity of the Casino Filipino brand.
Online Casinos in the Philippines: Offshore Platforms Continue to Dominate
While PAGCOR prepares to exit the casino operations business, many Filipino players continue choosing online PH casinos that operate outside the country’s regulatory framework. Operators licensed in jurisdictions such as Curaçao or Costa Rica provide real‑money slots, table games, and live‑dealer rooms accessible throughout the Philippines.
Offshore casinos attract players because PAGCOR‑licensed online gaming options are limited and mainly tied to integrated resorts. Offshore operators offer 24/7 access, a broader game library, and support for various gambling banking options, including cryptocurrencies.
What Privatization Means for the Philippine Casino Market
Privatizing Casino Filipino locations will shift dozens of properties, many of which are long‑standing fixtures in provincial cities, into private hands. Supporters argue that private operators can upgrade facilities, introduce new technology, and compete with integrated resorts in Manila and Cebu.
This shift also aligns the Philippines with other major gaming jurisdictions where regulators refrain from operating casinos. Critics have long debated PAGCOR’s dual role, arguing that it creates conflicts of interest. By moving to a purely regulatory model, PAGCOR could strengthen oversight and boost investor confidence, especially as the country attracts foreign gaming operators.
The transition will require careful planning. Some Casino Filipino branches have faced financial challenges, and privatization may lead to closures or consolidations, depending on market demand. PAGCOR has already closed underperforming locations to prepare for the sale.