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In 2026, the Philippines’ gross gaming revenue (GGR) is expected to be 19% lower than in the previous year. The decline is attributed to restrictions on online payments and the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East.
This was announced by PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco, according to GamingPost, citing iGaming Today.
According to Tengco, one of the key factors was the ban on linking e-wallets to gaming platforms. This measure has led not only to reduced spending on entertainment but also to a slight decline in the number of new players.
The conflict in the Middle East has had an even more significant impact. According to the regulator’s head, living standards have declined, forcing people with middle and lower incomes to allocate more of their money to essential needs rather than entertainment.
Tengco’s forecasts were confirmed by the first-quarter results: GGR has already fallen by 15.9%.
While online gambling had previously been the main driver of industry growth, the trend has now shifted. iGaming is the segment most affected by these factors.
Throughout 2026, the country’s gaming industry will continue adapting to the changing environment, although smaller companies may find it difficult to weather this period of turbulence.
