Gambling has been present in the Philippines since at least the sixteenth century. Various legal and illegal forms of gambling are found almost all over the archipelago. The government manages gambling through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), a state-owned enterprise that operates various casinos and regulates privately owned casino operators. Since 2016, PAGCOR has also granted operating licenses and overseen the regulation of a growing online gambling sector serving offshore markets. Casino gambling and integrated resorts have become key components of the Philippines’ appeal as a tourist destination, with more than twenty casinos found in Metro Manila alone.
Historical Background
Even before the Spanish colonization, gambling is said to have already been present in the Philippines. Although there are no exact records of when gambling was first practiced in the archipelago, it is possible that some forms were introduced by the Chinese in the late sixteenth century. On Magellan’s voyage to the Philippines, it was noted in the accounts of Antonio Pigafetta that he witnessed bets being placed on cockfights upon arrival in Palawan in 1521.
During the Spanish colonial period, gambling became institutionalized through cockpits, card parlours, and billiard halls. The introduction of lotteries and horse racing around the early to mid-19th century further solidified gambling’s place in Filipino culture, much to the concern of Spanish colonizers who attempted to suppress these activities. However, by the majority of the 19th century, gambling had become a national phenomenon.
Modern Developments
Like the Spaniards, the Americans initially sought to ban gambling but later reintroduced betting around 1912, recognizing that gambling could be better regulated and taxed. Institutionalized gambling for charitable purposes began in the 1930s, evidenced by the establishment of horse racing events for the benefit of the Philippine Athletic Amateur Federation. This led to the creation of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which aimed to raise funds for health and welfare-related programs.
After the colonial period, the Philippine government took responsibility for overseeing gambling activities, leading to the establishment of PAGCOR in 1976. PAGCOR has since regulated casinos, bingo, and lotteries, continuously adapting to the changing landscape of gambling in the Philippines.
Gambling Operations and Regulation
PAGCOR
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) operates and licenses gambling casinos, gaming clubs, and other recreational spaces. Created in response to the proliferation of illegal casinos, PAGCOR aims to control and supervise games of chance to generate additional revenue for various socio-civic projects.
PCSO
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) organizes and conducts number games, including lotteries, to support health and welfare programs. Popular lottery games include EZ2 Lotto, GrandLotto 6/55, and SuperLotto 6/49, with cash prizes awarded to winners.
Private Companies
Major participants in the Philippine gambling resorts industry include Travellers International Hotel Group, Bloomberry Resorts Corp., and Melco Crown, among others. The online gambling sector has also expanded, particularly under the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) program, which allows licensed online gambling operations targeting markets primarily in Asia.
Types of Gambling
Casinos
Casinos offer various games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. These establishments provide a controlled environment for gambling activities.
Lotteries
Lotteries operate by drawing numbers from selected ranges, and participants win cash prizes based on matching numbers.
Horse Racing
Horse racing betting involves wagering on the outcomes of races, with multiple types of bets available to increase winning opportunities.
Cockfighting
Cockfighting is a traditional sport in which specially bred roosters fight, attracting significant public interest across the country.
Illegal Gambling
Games such as jueteng and masiao represent illegal forms of gambling that continue to thrive despite regulatory efforts. Jueteng is a numbers game with a substantial underground operation.
Social Impact and Future Trends
Gambling is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, often intertwined with social gatherings and traditional events. However, issues surrounding gambling addiction and money laundering have created significant societal challenges. Government efforts to promote responsible gaming and provide support for addiction are essential as the industry continues to grow.
The Philippines is steadily establishing itself as a gambling hub in Southeast Asia, competing with destinations like Macau and Singapore. The expansion of both physical and online gambling venues indicates an industry poised for continued growth, attracting both local and foreign investments.
Conclusion
As gambling remains a significant component of Filipino culture and economy, the government faces the challenge of balancing regulation and the promotion of responsible gaming while maximizing the economic potential of this ever-evolving industry.