PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco delivers the keynote address at the opening ceremony of SiGMA Asia 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) underscored the importance of responsible gaming and player protection at the SiGMA Asia Summit 2026, a major gaming event in the region, in Pasay City on Tuesday, June 2.
Speaking before regulators, operators, investors, and technology providers from across the Asia-Pacific, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the gaming industry must enhance safeguards to protect players and promote responsible gaming.
“As regulators and industry leaders, we have the obligation of ensuring that innovation is matched by accountability, and that industry progress remains aligned with social responsibility and public welfare,” Mr. Tengco said.
He cited PAGCOR’s latest responsible gaming initiative, the recently launched National Problem Gambling Helpline, which provides counseling, intervention, and support for individuals and families affected by gambling-related problems round the clock.
“Through this helpline, individuals and families who are affected by problem gambling will have access to immediate, confidential, and professional support,” he said.
SiGMA Founder Eman Pulis (left) and Managing Director Neil Shih (middle) present a token of appreciation to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco during the opening ceremony of SiGMA Asia 2026.
The initiative was launched in partnership with the Seagulls Flock Organization, a non-profit advocacy group focused on mental health, behavioral wellness, and addiction treatment.
Mr. Tengco said the growing importance of responsible gaming reflects the industry’s continuing transformation, particularly with the proliferation of digital gaming platforms.
He noted that the strong performance of electronic gaming helped propel the country’s gross gaming revenues (GGR) to nearly Php400 billion in 2025, a 6.39% increase from Php372.33 billion in 2024.
However, he said that recent market trends demonstrate the industry’s cyclical nature and the need for sustainable, well-regulated growth.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco joins SiGMA Founder Eman Pulis (right) and Managing Director Neil Shih (2nd from left) in touring the exhibition area of SiGMA Asia 2026 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
“In the first quarter of 2026, total GGR declined 15.87% year-on-year to Php87.60 billion, with the electronic gaming segment posting a 22.43% contraction amid softer discretionary spending and broader economic pressures,” he said.
Licensed casinos, meanwhile, generated Php44.52 billion and accounted for 50.83% of total industry revenues during the period.
According to Mr. Tengco, the figures highlight the complementary roles of digital and land-based gaming, with electronic gaming often driving growth during expansionary periods and traditional casinos providing stability during market adjustments.
Despite changing market conditions, he emphasized that the industry’s long-term success should be measured not only by revenue performance but also by its ability to maintain public trust and uphold the highest standards of responsibility.
“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,” Mr. Tengco said.
The SiGMA Asia Summit 2026 is one of the region’s largest gaming industry gatherings, bringing together regulators, operators, investors, and technology providers to discuss emerging trends, regulatory developments, and opportunities that help shape the future of gaming.
