Alejandro Tengco, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), announced that nearly 2,000 state-of-the-art slot machines will begin operating by mid-December at Casino Filipino. This flagship casino brand forms a major part of Pagcor’s gaming operations.
“The first batch has been delivered and will go live in mid-December this year,” Tengco said during a press briefing. LT Game Ltd., a Macau-based casino equipment supplier, hosted the media event.
Currently, Casino Filipino operates a nationwide network of over 40 branches and satellite casinos. Many of these operate in leased commercial spaces. As part of a broader modernization initiative, Pagcor has begun upgrading its offerings. This includes acquiring a total of 3,000 new slot machines.
Furthermore, the modernization aligns with Pagcor’s strategy to shift away from operating casinos. Instead, the agency plans to focus entirely on its regulatory mandate. This approach supports its long-term plan to privatize its Casino Filipino network.
The first shipment of 1,968 slot machines arrived in September. RGB International Bhd supplied the units under a contract valued at over USD 81.3 million. The batch includes 888 machines each from Light & Wonder and Aristocrat. It also features 150 machines from Konami and 42 units from KL Saberi.
Tengco further revealed that Pagcor expects a second batch of slot machines to arrive in early 2025. This additional shipment will continue the agency’s transition toward a more modern gaming infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Pagcor has delayed the privatization of Casino Filipino. Tengco initially targeted mid-2025 for the rollout. However, he clarified in September that the privatization process will now begin in 2026.
The delay results from the need to amend Pagcor’s charter. Legislators plan to address this in the coming year. Once the privatization concludes, the Casino Filipino network is projected to generate roughly PHP 50 billion, or about USD 847.8 million.
By upgrading its assets and redefining its role, Pagcor aims to boost revenues, improve regulatory oversight, and modernize the country’s gaming landscape. This transition also signals a major shift in the agency’s long-term direction and economic strategy.
