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Thailand Allows Gambling, Philippines Fears Loss of Billions in Revenue
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro Tengco said the Philippines is concerned that Thailand could dethrone Asia’s second-largest gambling hub after Bangkok legalizes gambling.
Responding to the Bangkok Post on February 26, Mr. Alejandro Tengco – chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), owned and controlled by the Philippine Government – said Manila is concerned that Thailand could soon become the second largest gambling center in Asia.
Alejandro Tengco
Manila is forecasting a record total gaming revenue of between 450 billion and 480 billion pesos (US$7.7 billion and US$8.2 billion) in 2025, thanks to the revival of integrated resorts and the proliferation of electronic games, according to Tengco.
This will be an advantage for Bangkok in attracting gamblers and investors once the country officially legalizes gambling and casino business.
Previously, on January 13, the Thai Cabinet approved a bill to legalize gambling with the expectation of promoting tourism, attracting international investment and creating more jobs for local people.
In order to officially legalize the “gambling industry”, this bill needs to be passed by the Thai National Assembly.
Besides Thailand, the Philippines also has to face another competitor in the Asian region, Japan – a country that recorded 37 million visitors in 2024. Moreover, Japan is also planning to open a new casino in Osaka city.
Thailand’s decision to legalize gambling is not just a policy shift, but also a strategic turning point in the race to become the entertainment hub of Southeast Asia. With the Philippines worried about declining revenues, this is the time for countries in the region to review their entertainment industry development strategies.
Thailand, with its advantages in tourism and infrastructure, is creating great competitive pressure on the Philippines. However, this also opens up opportunities for the Philippines to restructure and diversify its entertainment services. Instead of focusing solely on gambling, the Philippines can invest in other types of entertainment such as eco-tourism, culture, and cuisine, creating a more diverse and attractive image.
