The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced plans to identify a joint venture partner for its upcoming online casino platform, CasinoFilipino.com. According to Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR intends to begin the formal procurement process by late Q1 or early Q2 of 2025. If the timeline holds, the platform may go live as early as the second quarter of the year.
Speaking at a Macau event organized by LT Game Ltd., Tengco shared more details. He stated, “We can begin the full-scale procurement process in January and make an announcement toward the end of the first quarter or early in the second.” He further emphasized that PAGCOR will require a competitive bidding process to ensure fairness and transparency. “You cannot just award [the partnership] without going through procurement,” he added.
Tengco also outlined what users can expect from the new platform. CasinoFilipino.com will feature a wide variety of gaming options. These include live slot games, RNG-based electronic table games, and live-streamed studio baccarat. In addition, PAGCOR plans to deliver an immersive experience by incorporating both modern and traditional Filipino gaming elements.
Although PAGCOR originally introduced the CasinoFilipino.com concept in July 2023, it targeted a Q1 2024 launch. Several factors have since led to repeated schedule changes.
Likewise, PAGCOR planned to sell its land-based Casino Filipino chain. It expected the sale to generate around PHP80 billion (approximately USD 1.36 billion). However, the plan also encountered delays.
By September 2023, Tengco adjusted the expected revenue from the sale to PHP50 billion. He cited the need to revise PAGCOR’s charter and upgrade outdated gaming equipment at existing casino venues. As a result, PAGCOR now aims to begin the sale process by 2026, giving the agency more time to refine its offerings and infrastructure.
Despite the shifting timeline, PAGCOR continues to show commitment to building a dynamic and modern online gaming platform. Through CasinoFilipino.com, the agency aims to strengthen its presence in the growing digital market, broaden access to regulated entertainment, and better serve Filipino players at home and abroad.
In the coming months, PAGCOR plans to align its strategic goals with industry trends. The agency will focus on digital transformation while also preparing its traditional casinos for long-term privatization.
