The regulator released the figures over the weekend, noting that the digital gaming segment — including E-Games, electronic bingo, traditional bingo, and poker-related operations — recorded a combined revenue decline of 22.4% year-on-year during the January to March period.

Total revenue from the segment reached PHP39.9 billion (US$647 million).

As a result, licensed land-based integrated resorts and physical gaming venues regained their position as the country’s largest revenue contributor.

Quarterly gaming revenue from the land-based segment reached PHP44.5 billion (US$722 million), accounting for 50.8% of total industry revenue.

The digital gaming segment represented 45.6% of total Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).

Meanwhile, gaming venues directly operated by PAGCOR generated PHP3.17 billion (US$51.4 million), contributing 3.62% of total industry GGR.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco stated that the industry’s first-quarter performance reflected the impact of economic pressures and changing market conditions.

According to Tengco, the weaker performance was influenced by several factors, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising inflationary pressure, which reduced consumer spending on non-essential entertainment activities.

He added:

“We remain optimistic that as geopolitical tensions gradually ease, consumer confidence and discretionary spending are expected to recover progressively, supporting improvement across the industry.”