PAGCOR targets exit from casino operations by 2027: what the Casino Filipino privatization means

Source: Philstar, 14 October 2026. Updated 27 October 2026.

What was reported

According to Philstar:

• PAGCOR aims to finish exiting casino operations in the third or fourth quarter of 2027, depending on government approval of the privatization of Casino Filipino.
• The Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) was expected to send its recommendation on the proposed "decoupling" to the Office of the President within October. Decoupling separates commercial casino operations from regulatory functions. Chairman Alejandro Tengco: "Then we execute."
• PAGCOR has 35 casinos: 12 run entirely by the agency and 23 under revenue-sharing deals with private partners.
• PAGCOR expects to raise P20 billion to P30 billion; the valuation is not final. Tengco said several current licensees, including major Entertainment City operators, have shown interest, and he expects revenue-sharing partners to bid for the casinos they run.
• Casino Filipino is losing money, mainly because of personnel costs, with losses projected at at least P7 billion this year versus about P6 billion in 2025.

What it means for players

This concerns PAGCOR's own land-based casinos and its dual role as operator and regulator. We found no report that online licensing rules, the lists of registered domains or player protections change as a result. The practical advice is unchanged: verify any site on PAGCOR Guarantee and our registered-domains list. Related context: PAGCOR's first-half 2026 revenue fall and the licence freeze. 21+ only; gambling can be addictive, know when to stop (help).