Philippines on course to be Asia’s second biggest gaming hub
The Philippines is on track to become Asia’s second-largest gaming hub, according to the President and Chief Executive of entertainment company Newport World Resorts, Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez.
At present Macau has the crown as Asia’s center of gambling, followed by Singapore and the Philippines.
Speaking at the IAG Expo 2025 this week, Rodriguez pointed to strong tourism, a favorable investment climate, and the rapid growth of online gaming as key drivers of the industry’s momentum.
“The Philippines has moved beyond recovery. It is now a story of resilience, growth, and ambition,” he said. Rodriguez also described online and electronic gaming as a “driver of growth that cannot be ignored,” explaining that it accounted for over half of the industry’s revenue in the first half of this year.
In 2024, online gaming represented 41.5% of gross gaming revenue, while so far in 2025, revenues have reached US$2 billion, 53% of the industry.
“This surge was enabled by PAGCOR’s regulatory realignment – lowering licensing fees to draw operators into the formal system, strengthening [Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing] oversight, and ensuring international alignment,” he said.
Analysts have also identified rising incomes, a young workforce, and foreign investment as key factors for growth. The Philippines’ removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in 2025 has further boosted investor confidence.
Rodriguez admitted that increased scrutiny over online gambling has “reshaped” the industry along with the departure of POGOs but said that the work of Philippine gambling regulator PAGCOR, alongside other factors, has compensated for this.
Dig deeper
2025/02/25: Moody’s: Philippines is off FATF grey list but online gambling and crypto still present a risk
2025/04/22: Philippines scrutinizes online gambling amid money laundering risks
2025/07/07: Philippines senator files bill to ban online gambling
2025/09/08: Regulated igaming significant revenue driver in Philippines, PAGCOR says
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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