Digital Expansion and Resort Development Advance by Alliance Global
Philippines' Online Gaming Market Booms, Paving the Way for Newport World Resorts' Upgrade
The online gaming industry in the Philippines is experiencing strong and sustained growth, with the overall gaming sector showing a 27.44% growth in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in Q1 2025 alone. This growth has been driven by the significant expansion of e-games, with half of the total gaming revenue now coming from this segment [2][4].
The country's gaming revenue is projected to continue rising robustly, with PAGCOR forecasting a record gaming revenue growth of around 17% for 2025, pushing total sector revenues toward a $6 billion mark in 2024 and beyond [3].
In response to this fast-growing online gaming space, Newport World Resorts, a future integrated casino and leisure complex in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, is preparing to begin construction in 2025, at an estimated cost of approximately $301 million [1]. The company is also upgrading its online gaming system and platform to offer players a better experience with a more stable and advanced system [2].
Travellers International, the operator of Newport World Resorts, reported a 7.8% increase in core revenues in Q1 of 2025, reaching PHP7.69 billion, with e-Games and e-Bingo making up nearly half of the country's Q1 gaming revenue [2]. Gross gaming revenue for Newport World Resorts climbed to PHP7.9 billion in the first three months of 2025, while segment profit jumped to PHP101.4 million, a significant increase from PHP12.8 million in the previous year [2].
Alliance Global, the parent company of Travellers International, attributes the improvement in financial performance to a rebound in the VIP market and better hold rates [2]. The platform upgrade at Newport World Resorts is expected to contribute positively to the financials of Travellers International and its parent company.
The Mactan World Resorts project could attract more international visitors to the Philippines, potentially boosting the country's gaming sector even further. However, the industry faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny, including measures on minimum wagers, e-wallet limits, and stricter age verification, plus potential taxation increases on online operators [2].
In conclusion, Newport World Resorts and its competitors are positioned in a rapidly growing Philippine online gaming market bolstered by increasing revenues and player bases. Success depends on navigating evolving regulations and leveraging regional growth dynamics effectively. The Video Gaming Terminals (VGT) market, related but distinct from purely online gaming, is also showing significant growth globally, which could indirectly benefit Philippine operators [1].
Technology has played a significant role in the growth of the sports sector within the Philippines' online gaming market, as operators like Newport World Resorts upgrade their online gaming systems to offer players a more stable and advanced platform. This investment in technology aims to improve the overall gaming experience for players as the market continues to boom.
The ongoing expansion of e-games and e-sports within the Philippine online gaming sector reflects the convergence of sports and technology, creating a new and innovative sub-industry that is poised for further growth.
