The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has stepped up efforts to promote responsible gaming through its newly launched National Responsible Gaming Support Helpline, as the country’s gaming market showed signs of moderating during the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking at SiGMA Asia in Pasay City on June 2, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized the importance of balancing industry innovation with accountability and consumer protection.

“As regulators and industry stakeholders, 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.

The National Responsible Gaming Support Helpline provides round-the-clock counseling, intervention, and support services for individuals and families affected by excessive gaming behavior. The initiative was launched in partnership with Seagulls Flock Organization, a non-profit advocacy group focused on mental health, behavioral wellness, and addiction recovery.

According to Tengco, the helpline aims to provide immediate, confidential, and professional support while strengthening the country’s responsible gaming ecosystem.

Responsible gaming has become an increasingly important focus as digital gaming platforms continue to expand across the Philippines.

Electronic gaming contributed significantly to the country’s gross gaming revenue (GGR), which reached nearly PHP400 billion (US$6.49 billion) in 2025, representing a 6.39% increase compared to PHP372.33 billion (US$6.04 billion) recorded in 2024.

However, Tengco noted that recent performance highlights the cyclical nature of the industry.

During the first quarter of 2026, total GGR declined 15.87% year-on-year to PHP87.60 billion (US$1.42 billion), while the electronic gaming segment contracted 22.43%, reflecting softer discretionary spending and broader economic headwinds.

Licensed casinos generated PHP44.52 billion (US$721.9 million), accounting for 50.83% of total industry revenue during the period.

Tengco stressed that the industry’s long-term success should not be measured solely by revenue growth, but also by its ability to maintain public trust and uphold responsible gaming standards.

“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.

As the Philippine gaming market continues to mature, responsible gaming is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the industry’s long-term sustainability and public perception.