Philippine Sports Commission Receives Additional $4.7 Million from PAGCOR
Gettin' That PSC Dough: PAGCOR Stays strong in the Face of Criticism
PAGCOR, the Philippine gaming regulator and operator, is still going strong despite facing heavy criticism from certain MPs and government insiders of President Bongbong Marcos. Some voices in the crowd suggest shutting down existing casinos to appease China, a key trading and economic partner in the region.
But PAGCOR isn't backing down, arguing that their operating model is beneficial for the economy and helps clamp down on illegal gambling. Proving their point, PAGCOR dropped a whopping $4.7 million to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in November and December 2022.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO, Alejandro Tengco, is optimistic about the future and isn't shy about showing it. He hinted that the remittals will only grow larger in the months and years to come as PAGCOR gets back on track. Tengco kept mum about the political storm brewing around PAGCOR but instead emphasized the regulator's vision for the future. Tengco said,
We aim to give our national athletes a solid boost for various international competitions and enhance the development of Philippine sports. With each remittance, we'll see an upward trend as normality resumes.
The donation arrives just in time for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, held in Cambodia. The funds are disbursed under the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. PAGCOR has also been proactive about minimizing gambling-related harm.
Caught in the Gambling Web: A Wider Problem in Philippine Society
PAGCOR reported 333 self-exclusion requests in 2022, a relatively low number compared to the country's massive gambling population. However, the number of people opting for self-exclusion increased by 62%, indicating a growing awareness among consumers about self-exclusion, which can only lead to good things.
PAGCOR has also warned consumers to keep their distance from illicit and offshore gambling websites, who have been targeting Philippine citizens.
Enrichment Data:
Inside the Operations of PAGCOR
PAGCOR is the heart and soul of the Philippine gaming industry, with key responsibilities as both a regulator and operator. Here's what makes PAGCOR tick:
Regulatory Responsibilities:- Gaming Standard Enforcement: PAGCOR ensures adherence to gaming regulations, safeguarding public trust in the industry[5].- eGaming Oversight: Recently, PAGCOR has stepped up its regulatory game by implementing a new accreditation framework for online gaming support services, improving regulation and standardization within the digital gaming sphere[3].
Monetary Contributions:- Revenue Generation: PAGCOR's revenue comes from various gaming sources such as electronic games, e-bingo, licensed casinos, and PAGCOR's own casinos[1]. In Q1 of 2025, PAGCOR's revenues hit P28.07 billion, marking a 11.2% increase from the previous year[4].- National Capital Reinvestment: A significant chunk of PAGCOR's revenue goes to the National Treasury, fueling development projects like infrastructure, healthcare, and education[2]. In 2025, PAGCOR remitted PHP12.67 billion to the National Treasury, surpassing the minimum contribution[2].
Sports Funding Impact:Although PAGCOR's primary focus is on gaming regulation and revenue generation, its indirect contributions to the National Treasury help fund various government initiatives, like sports development programs. Still, there's no specific allocation of PAGCOR's funds reserved for sports funding.
Gambling Regulation:- Legal Landscape Shaping: PAGCOR plays a vital role in shaping the legal gaming landscape, regulating all legal gambling activities[5], including the Philippine Inland Gaming Operations (PIGO) that expands the reach of the gaming industry into digital spaces, generating new revenue streams for operators and the government[5].
PAGCOR, while facing criticism, continues to support the sports sector through significant donations, such as the $4.7 million remitted to the Philippine Sports Commission in late 2022.
Moreover, PAGCOR's operations encompass a regulatory role in the gaming industry, ensuring adherence to gaming regulations and standards, and contributing substantially to sports development initiatives indirectly.
