S&P: Visa easing, online gambling rebound to lift Philippine gaming revenues
Manila Bulletin
S&P predicts that easing visa rules and a rebound in online gambling will boost Philippine gaming revenues after a recent decline.Summary
S&P Global Ratings noted that tighter regulation and stricter oversight of the Philippine gaming sector have slowed recovery of lost revenue, but a more supportive visa policy for foreign visitors and a rebound in online gambling could drive growth in gross gaming revenue (GGR). The agency cited Pagcor’s first‑quarter 2026 figures, where GGR fell 15.9% mainly due to a 22.4% drop in electronic gaming. Despite this, the analyst highlighted that easing visa rules—such as extended visa‑free entry for Taiwanese and Chinese nationals—and a recovery in consumer confidence could offset the impact of higher energy costs and regulatory tightening, potentially boosting the industry’s earnings.
(Source：Manila Bulletin)