INTEGRATED resorts and casinos have become the country’s major engines of tourism and economic recovery, with industry revenues soaring and new investments fueling growth, according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).
Speaking at the a forum on hospitality last Friday, Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said integrated resorts have turned into dynamic lifestyle and business hubs, reshaping the tourism landscape and creating new opportunities for growth.
‘Gaming, entertainment, and hospitality are not separate worlds but interconnected forces that drive growth, create jobs, and enrich the tourism experience,’ Tengco said.
The gaming and entertainment sector is still showing a robust rebound, according to Tengco, citing industry data. In two years, gross gaming revenues rose by 75 percent to $6.5 billion in 2024 from $3.75 billion in 2022, he said.
The Pagcor official, hence, urged industry players in gaming, tourism and hospitality to embrace sustainability and adapt to digital transformation.
‘The future of hospitality is being reshaped by technology and sustainability,’ Tengco said. ‘We must ensure that every guest experience also contributes to local well-being.’
According to him, the Pagcor has been modernizing its regulatory and operational frameworks while ensuring that operators follow the principles of responsible, transparent and sustainable gaming.
Stricter regulations on advertising related to gaming, intensified campaign against illegal gambling and the ban on gambling promotions in public areas and primetime are some of the agency’s initiatives.
‘At Pagcor, responsible gaming is not just a slogan but a commitment to protect the vulnerable, uphold transparency, and preserve public trust,’ Tengco said.
Tengco added that Pagcor seeks to remain not only a regulator but also a ‘catalyst for responsible growth.’