PAGCOR calls for a gaming industry that is both responsive and responsible
Marking the official start to SiGMA Asia, an opening ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed delegates to the SMX Convention Centre in Manila for the first day of the conference and expo.
PAGCOR CEO and Chairman, Alejandro Tengco, highlighted how the global gaming industry continues to undergo profound transformation.
We are in an industry shaped by digital disruptions, changing consumer behavior, and growing calls for greater accountability. We’re also experiencing the impact of geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, he warned.
In 2025, the Philippines’ gross gaming revenues reached close to 400 billion pesos, which was 6.5 per cent higher than the 370 billion in 2024. The 2025 results were largely driven by the strong expansion of the electronic gaming sector, which at that time had overtaken land-based casinos as the primary contributor of revenues for PAGCOR.
However, since the Middle East crisis, the momentum has been moderate, he explained. In the first quarter of 2026, overall GGR declined to eighty-seven billion pesos. In contrast, land-based casinos have shown greater stability, generating 45 billion pesos in GGR, or 51 per cent of PAGCOR’s total GGR for 2026. This shift underscores the sector’s cyclical nature, where digital gaming leads expansion phases, while traditional casino operations provide resilience.
“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 more importantly, genuinely beneficial to the communities we all serve.”
At a time of uncertainty, gatherings such as the SiGMA Asia Summit are more important than ever, he said.
“Events like this allow regulators, operators, vendors, and stakeholders to come together, not merely to discuss opportunities, but to address challenges collectively and decisively. PAGCOR has always recognised the importance of the gaming industry as a critical source for government funding and a true partner in nation-building.“
One of PAGCOR’s most significant achievements this year is the recent launch of the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which provides accessible counseling, intervention, and support services for individuals affected by problem gambling.
He urged the audience to join in promoting a gaming industry that is both responsive and responsible.
“We hope that there will be another conference next year and in the many years to come,” he concluded.
Addressing the audience, SiGMA’s CEO, Emily Micallef, spoke of industry growth – not just in established markets such as the Philippines, but in emerging regions.
“As established markets continue to build on this momentum, emerging destinations are also stepping forward. The opening of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka signals confidence in the region’s future and will be home once more to our second edition of SiGMA South Asia later this year.”
SiGMA South Asia will take place once again from 30 November to 02 December in Colombo.
Micallef also emphasised the importance of regulation, praising the Philippines, which she said has become an ‘anchor for regulation in the region’.
“Governments and businesses worldwide are realizing that the only way forward is regulation. Beyond protecting players, we’ve highlighted the clear benefits governments can gain from taxation and from the economic impact that a regulated gaming industry can bring. This is our mantra, and we will continue pushing it worldwide. The message is clear: regulation is the only path forward.”
She also thanked the iGaming community for its strong support at last night’s auction. The event raised €17,000 in support of important educational and healthcare projects for some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Pasay, Emi Cailxto-Rubiano, Chief of Staff, Peter Pardo described Manila as a premier hub for MICE, emphasising that, as tech continues to transform industries and shape economies, there is a pressing need to advocate for collaboration, communication, coordination, and commitment. Qualities he says are evident today at SiGMA Asia.
Pardo also expanded on the city’s vision of becoming a smart and sustainable ecocity. “Progress is built through partnerships, shared expertise and willingness to learn from one another. Thanks to SiGMA, we are closer to our aspirations and goals of progress.”
He closed with a welcome that he said will stretch for countless years to come: “Pasay City will always be a proud and welcome home to the SiGMA Asia summit.”
Deputy Speaker Hon. Maria Rachel Arenas, meanwhile, highlighted the transformative power of breakthrough innovations to reshape societies – particularly AI.
“It is redefining how we work, learn, create, and make decisions, ” she said. The question before us, Arenas emphasised, is no longer whether AI will transform our societies. The question is whether we will shape the transformation wisely.
The conversation is timely for the Philippines. She highlighted how the country is one of the youngest and fastest-growing digital populations in the world and has become a significant contributor to the future of innovation in Asia.
The ambition extends to helping share the country’s future in Congress, with lawmakers actively examining how legal and policy frameworks can evolve to keep pace with tech.
“This year, as the Philippines chairs ASEAN, we are advancing regional conversations on AI and digital transformation. Our proposed ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on AI-powered MSME growth reflects our belief that technology should empower communities, strengthen enterprises, and create opportunities that reach beyond major cities and established industries. In other words, innovation must remain people-centered.”
She concluded by thanking SiGMA for bringing this important global conversation to the Philippines. “By choosing Manila, you recognize Southeast Asia not merely as a market for innovation, but as a partner in shaping the future of the digital age.”
