Philippines’ 93% drop in illegal gambling signals a major regulatory milestone.
The Philippines’ crackdown on illegal online gambling has yielded remarkable results, with recent data showing a 93% decline in illegal gambling activity in the third quarter of 2025. Figures reported by the Philippine News Agency, based on analytics from Gogolook and Whoscall, highlight the success of joint enforcement by PAGCOR, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and law enforcement agencies.
Brycan Dayao, Vice President for Operations at Amused Group, described the result as evidence that “the enforcement picture is finally aligning,” citing improved coordination across agencies and tighter control over payment systems such as GCash and PayMaya. Meanwhile, gaming industry veteran Jonas Diego praised the shift toward proactive, data-driven enforcement, noting that it sends a strong message to the global gaming industry.
Both experts, however, warned that the fight against illegal gambling remains an ongoing challenge. As Dayao noted, illegal operators can quickly pivot to cryptocurrencies and offshore domains, making continuous vigilance crucial. Diego added that sustained cooperation and depoliticized enforcement will determine whether this early progress can be maintained.
The crackdown is also reshaping the competitive environment for licensed operators, allowing compliant firms to compete on fairer terms while boosting public trust in regulated platforms. With investments in AI-driven monitoring, digital forensics, and new training centers, the Philippines is positioning itself as a model for regulatory innovation and industry collaboration in Asia’s online gaming landscape.
