A new gambling regulator may be established in the Philippines

Philippine Congressman Jonathan Keith Flores has proposed the abolition of the current gaming industry regulator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Under his initiative, PAGCOR would be replaced by a new entity called the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Commission (PAGCOM). Flores, who chairs the House Committee on Government Reorganization, is also advocating for the privatization of casinos currently managed by PAGCOR.
The proposals to reform the Philippines' gambling market regulator are outlined in House Bill No. 3559, drafted by former congressman and current Finance Secretary Ralph Recto. In a recent press release, Flores stated that he would present this bill as his own. If enacted, PAGCOM would inherit all regulatory powers from PAGCOR, and both land-based casinos and the online platform operated by PAGCOR would be sold to private companies.
According to the bill, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Commission would impose a 5% tax on casino operators based on their gross revenue. Additionally, the regulator would receive an extra 25% of the total gross income from the gambling industry. These funds are intended to finance priority projects for local government units.
PAGCOR has previously expressed intentions to transfer state-owned casinos to private ownership and focus on regulatory duties. Since 2022, several gaming establishments have been sold, and the remaining ones are expected to be privatized by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
The current regulatory body, PAGCOR, was established in 1977. It currently combines oversight responsibilities for the industry with the management of casinos across various regions of the country. PAGCOR operates its gaming establishments under the brand Casino Filipino and also runs an online gambling platform. Alejandro Tengco serves as the chairperson and CEO of the organization.
Meanwhile, the Philippines plans to reduce the licensing fee for the iGaming market to 30% by 2025.