Pagcor upgrades Casino Filipino properties ahead of privatization plans
The state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) is upgrading its casinos in advance of privatization, which is set to begin in early 2026 and expects to yield P60 billion to P80 billion.
“We have also started modernizing our Casino Filipino properties, including all our gaming facilities and equipment,” Pagcor chief Alejandro Tengco said in a briefing.
Tengco said that Pagcor planned to privatize about 40 casinos under the Casino Filipino brand nationwide and will start in early 2026 as it aims to “provide a level playing field for all Pagcor stakeholders.”
“Our partner lessors have started the renovation of our gaming venues and other game offerings to increase foot traffic and overall profitability of our Casino Filipino venues,” Tengco said.
Tengco also noted that as part of Pagcor’s privatization strategy, the establishment of a gaming academy is planned. This academy aims to enhance the professionalism within the gaming industry and meet the rising demand for skilled professionals in gaming and hospitality.
“We aim to do this by forging partnerships with Asian gaming education providers to create a consortium that caters not only to the Philippine workforce but also to all who wish to build a career in gaming in other jurisdictions,” he said.
The Pagcor gaming academy is also expected to offer unique opportunities for its employees once the Casino Filipino properties are privatized.
“With all these initiatives and preparations, we are confident that the Philippines, through Pagcor, will continue to remain at the forefront of gaming industry innovations in the Asia-Pacific region,” Tengco said.
Tengco expects revenues from the licensed casino sector and electronic games (e-games) to contribute P275 billion and P100 billion, respectively, in its gross gaming revenues by the end of the year.
Pagcor’s GGR amounted to P89.23 billion in the second quarter, up by 32.32 percent from P67.43 billion last year.
Meanwhile, revenues of the e-games sector surged by 525 percent to P30.85 billion from P4.93 billion last year, making it the best growth performer among other sectors.
