Zakharova Victoriya

Philippines at Stake: The Gambling Economy and Its Social Repercussions

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2025, №3(68), 166-176

 
Annotation: Gambling in the Philippines occupies a stable position within the country’s socio-economic system, combining high economic returns with significant social risks. The industry functions not only as a form of entertainment but also as an important instrument of state policy and a source of funding for social programs. Based on official statistics from 2008 to 2024, the article examines the dynamics of the gambling sector, its contribution to public finance and the labor market, as well as the specific features of the institutional regulatory model. The Philippines ranks among the regional leaders in both the scale and growth rate of the gambling industry. Gross gaming revenue has shown steady growth, provided substantial fiscal income and supported related sectors. At the same time, the institutional configuration, in which the state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) combines the functions of both regulator and operator, generates conflicts of interest and increases corruption risks. The social costs manifest in the rising prevalence of gambling addiction, the involvement of youth and vulnerable groups, the spread of domestic violence, and the expansion of shadow practices, especially in the online gambling sector. These contradictions highlight the need to balance the fiscal benefits of the industry with measures to minimize its negative social repercussions.

Keywords: gambling, Philippine economy, Philippines PAGCOR, gross gaming revenue, POGO, social impact, state regulation