Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), confirmed that the regulator plans to launch its own online casino brand, casinofilipino.com, in the second half of 2024. The move comes as PAGCOR actively embraces the global trend toward online gaming, shifting away from traditional land-based casinos.
“We now see a global shift from traditional land-based casinos to online gaming,” Tengco stated. He explained that by establishing a state-run internet platform, PAGCOR could not only solidify its position in the local gaming market but also expand its reach to a global audience.
Tengco first revealed the plan during the SiGMA Asia trade show in July 2023. Notably, the proposed brand name—CasinoFilipino.com—mirrors the existing Casino Filipino chain, which PAGCOR currently operates and plans to privatize. This online initiative aims to carry over the strong brand recognition to a digital format, potentially leveraging decades of trust among Filipino players.
Moreover, PAGCOR plays a unique dual role as both a gaming regulator and operator. The agency licenses private land-based casinos, Philippine Inshore Gaming Operators (PIGOs) for domestic online betting, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) for international markets, and other forms of digital wagering within the Philippines.
In a recent interview, Tengco projected that electronically delivered games will generate PHP61.75 billion (US$1.10 billion) in 2024. He expressed optimism about the online sector’s future, emphasizing that PAGCOR remains committed to investing in this growing market. Furthermore, in November, he confirmed that PAGCOR had started the procurement process for a management system to run casinofilipino.com, signaling concrete steps toward the platform’s launch.
Although the entrance of a government-backed operator may create more competition for private firms, it could also build greater trust among players. A familiar name like Casino Filipino holds strong recognition nationwide—especially among locals—which may translate well into digital success.
As PAGCOR pushes ahead with this bold step, the move reflects a broader strategy: tapping into the expanding online gaming space while also maintaining player trust, responsible regulation, and national market relevance.
