PAGCOR Targets 2027 Exit From Casino Operations
PAGCOR is aiming to withdraw from casino operations by late 2027 as plans to privatise the Casino Filipino network continue to progress.PAGCOR is aiming to withdraw from casino operations by late 2027 as plans to privatise the Casino Filipino network continue to progress.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is targeting the third or fourth quarter of 2027 to complete its exit from casino operations as it moves towards separating its commercial and regulatory functions.
The planned transition would see PAGCOR privatise its Casino Filipino operations and concentrate solely on regulating the Philippine gaming industry.
Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GCG) is expected to submit its recommendation on the proposed restructuring to the Office of the President during October.
Subject to approval, PAGCOR would then proceed with the separation of its operating and regulatory responsibilities.
Privatisation Could Raise Up To PHP30bn
PAGCOR currently has 35 casinos within its network, comprising 12 properties operated directly by the regulator and a further 23 run through revenue-sharing agreements with private-sector partners.
The regulator expects the privatisation process to generate between PHP20bn (US$318m) and PHP30bn, although Tengco said a final valuation has yet to be established.
Existing gaming licensees have already expressed interest in the process, including major casino operators in Entertainment City.
Tengco also expects companies currently operating PAGCOR properties through revenue-sharing agreements to participate in the bidding process for those venues.
Among PAGCOR’s wholly owned casinos, Cebu currently generates the highest revenue, followed by Tagaytay, Angeles, Davao and Malabon.
Casino Filipino Losses Expected To Reach PHP7bn
The proposed restructuring comes as Casino Filipino continues to record operating losses, with personnel expenses representing a significant cost for the business.
Tengco expects losses to reach at least PHP7bn in 2026, compared with approximately PHP6bn in 2025.
The privatisation forms part of PAGCOR’s wider effort to remove its dual position as both an operator and regulator of gambling in the Philippines.
Once the transition is completed, the agency intends to focus exclusively on its regulatory responsibilities across the country’s gaming industry.
