PAGCOR Pushes Responsible Gaming at SiGMA Asia 2026

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) underscored the importance of responsible gaming and player protection during the SiGMA Asia Summit 2026, one of the region’s largest gaming industry events, held in Pasay City on Tuesday, June 2.

Alejandro H. Tengco delivers the keynote address during the opening ceremony of the SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. (Photos: PAGCOR)

Speaking before regulators, operators, investors, and technology providers from across the Asia-Pacific region, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized the need to strengthen safeguards that protect players and promote responsible gaming practices.

“As regulators and industry leaders, we have the obligation of ensuring that innovation is matched by accountability, and that industry progress remains aligned with social responsibility and public welfare,” Tengco said.

He highlighted PAGCOR’s latest responsible gaming initiative, the recently launched National Problem Gambling Helpline, which provides round-the-clock counseling, intervention, and support for individuals and families affected by gambling-related problems.

“Through this helpline, individuals and families affected by problem gambling will have access to immediate, confidential, and professional support,” he said.

Eman Pulis (left) and Neil Shih (center) present a token of appreciation to Alejandro H. Tengco during the opening ceremony of SiGMA Asia 2026.

The initiative was launched in partnership with the Seagulls Flock Organization, a non-profit advocacy group focused on mental health, behavioral wellness, and addiction treatment.

Tengco said the growing importance of responsible gaming reflects the industry’s continuing transformation, particularly amid the rapid expansion of digital gaming platforms.

He noted that strong electronic gaming performance helped drive the country’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) to nearly PHP400 billion in 2025, representing a 6.39% increase from PHP372.33 billion in 2024.

However, he said recent market trends demonstrate the industry’s cyclical nature and the need for sustainable, well-regulated growth.

“In the first quarter of 2026, total GGR declined 15.87% year on year to PHP87.60 billion, with the electronic gaming segment posting a 22.43% contraction amid softer discretionary spending and broader economic pressures,” Tengco said.

Licensed casinos generated PHP44.52 billion during the period, accounting for 50.83% of total industry revenues.

Alejandro H. Tengco joins Eman Pulis (right) and Neil Shih (second from left) during a tour of the exhibition area at the SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

According to Tengco, the figures underscore the complementary roles of digital and land-based gaming, with electronic gaming often driving growth during expansionary periods and traditional casinos providing stability during market corrections.

Despite changing market conditions, Tengco stressed that the industry’s long-term success should be measured not only by revenue growth but also by its ability to maintain public trust and uphold high standards of responsibility.

“The true measure of this industry is not simply its size or rate of expansion, but our ability to ensure that gaming remains properly regulated, socially responsible, and genuinely beneficial to the communities we serve,” he said.

The SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 gathered regulators, operators, investors, and technology providers to discuss emerging trends, regulatory developments, and opportunities shaping the future of the gaming industry.