Manila: Gross revenues from the country’s electronic games sector (e-games) reached PHP114.83 billion in the first half of the year, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said on Tuesday. In a statement, PAGCOR said the amount accounts for about 53.47 percent of the PHP215 billion total gross gaming revenues of the Philippine gaming industry during the period. The sector is composed of e-games, e-bingo, and bingo grantees.

According to Philippines News Agency, PAGCOR recognizes the earning potential of the E-Games sector, but as the country’s gaming regulator, their foremost responsibility is to ensure that growth comes with accountability. PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco stated, “Our role goes beyond revenue generation; and as partners of the government in nation-building, we are committed to always strike a balance between enabling industry expansion and ensuring it aligns with responsible gaming standards.”

PAGCOR recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ad Standards Council (ASC) to strengthen the monitoring of gambling-related advertisements across all platforms. It also recently ordered the takedown of all gambling advertisements in public spaces and primetime television by Aug. 15 this year. “These efforts are part of our broader mission to ensure that online gambling is not only well-regulated but also aligned with public interest,” Tengco added.