The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, or PAGCOR, says rising fuel and energy costs are creating pressure for gaming markets, including the Philippines. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco said gaming jurisdictions around the world are feeling the impact of the oil crisis, naming Singapore, Macau and the United States among the markets under pressure.
The warning comes as the Philippines is already dealing with change inside its gaming sector. PAGCOR’s 2025 revenue fell 5% after the country’s ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, even as the regulator has tried to support other parts of the market, including electronic gaming.
PAGCOR highlights fuel costs, but gives few details
Tengco linked the pressure to the ongoing oil crisis, saying the effects are being felt across gaming jurisdictions. He did not give a detailed breakdown of how higher energy costs are affecting specific gaming segments or operators. He did, however, say PAGCOR would adjust where needed.
That still sends a clear message even without a long list of figures. PAGCOR is signalling that higher operating costs are becoming part of the discussion in gaming, not just in transport, tourism or other energy-heavy sectors. This reading comes from Tengco’s comments about the wider market impact.
Cost pressure adds to a market already in transition
The regulator has already taken steps this year that suggest it is trying to manage pressure on the market. PAGCOR cut its fee for electronic gaming operators from 35% to 30% of gross gaming revenue in January 2025, saying the move was meant to help the legal market and fight illegal gambling.
It also postponed the rollout of a new monthly minimum guaranteed fee structure for online operators from April 1 to June 1, 2026. That delay gave operators more time as the market adjusted to new conditions.
These decisions and Tengco’s latest comments suggest PAGCOR is trying to keep the market stable while costs rise. The next issue is whether the energy squeeze stays temporary or starts to affect operator performance more directly in the months ahead.
