The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has announced that the gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the country reached PHP113.92bn in 2021. This represents a notable 14.5% increase compared to the challenging year of 2020, which was marked by casino closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Overall Gaming Revenue:
Pagcor’s total gaming revenue for the year amounted to PHP113.92bn, reflecting a robust recovery in the industry. This positive growth is attributed to the easing of pandemic restrictions and the resumption of casino operations.
Pagcor-operated Revenue:
Gaming revenue from Pagcor-operated sources reached PHP8.19bn, showing a decline of 27.2% from the previous year. Slot machines accounted for the largest share of revenue at PHP4.92bn, followed by table games with PHP2.40bn. Additionally, junket operations contributed PHP854.4m to the overall revenue.
Revenue from Pagcor-Licensed Casinos:
Revenue generated from Pagcor-licensed casinos amounted to PHP88.36bn, experiencing a significant increase compared to PHP74.64bn in 2020. Among the casino locations, Entertainment City emerged as the top revenue generator with PHP78.96bn, followed by Clark with PHP8.73bn, and Fiesta with PHP668.9m.
Revenue from Other Licensees:
Pagcor reported revenue of PHP16.55bn from other licensees, marking a substantial growth of 28.2% compared to the previous year. Bingo operations contributed PHP9.84bn to this segment, while electronic sabong (online cockfighting betting) generated PHP3.71bn. Revenue from other electronic games totaled PHP2.99bn.
Expansion into Online Gaming:
In 2021, Pagcor made significant strides in its operations by appointing James Patrick Bondoc to its board of directors. Additionally, Entertainment City casinos were granted permission to launch online gaming services for the first time, further diversifying the industry’s offerings.
Pagcor’s latest report highlights a strong rebound in the Philippine gaming industry, with a notable increase in gross gaming revenue for 2021. The recovery can be attributed to the gradual lifting of pandemic-related restrictions and the resumption of casino operations. With the continued support of Pagcor and the expansion into online gaming, the Philippine gaming sector is poised for further growth and development in the coming years.