The Impact of China on Philippine Casinos
The Philippine casino industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with one key factor playing a pivotal role: China’s influence. With a booming Chinese middle class and stricter gambling laws in mainland China, the Philippines has become a prime destination for Chinese gamblers.
This influx of Chinese high rollers and tourists has reshaped the landscape of Philippine casinos, resulting in increased revenue, job creation, and infrastructure development. However, this growth has come with challenges, including political tension, legal concerns, and the sustainability of relying heavily on a single market.
Chinese Gamblers Driving Casino Growth
The most visible impact of China on Philippine casinos is the sheer volume of Chinese nationals who travel to the country to gamble. The growth of integrated casino resorts like Solaire and City of Dreams Manila has been largely fueled by Chinese patrons.
With gambling being illegal in mainland China, many affluent Chinese have turned to neighboring countries with more lenient laws, and the Philippines has emerged as one of the preferred destinations.
In addition to physical casinos, the rise of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) catering mainly to Chinese players has further cemented this connection. These online platforms provide gambling services in Chinese, creating a robust ecosystem catering to the Chinese market. POGOs have played a crucial role in boosting the local economy, but they’ve also led to legal and regulatory scrutiny.
Economic Gains and Job Creation
The influx of Chinese tourists and gamblers has brought considerable economic benefits to the Philippines. According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the gaming industry significantly contributes to the national economy. Casinos create direct and indirect employment opportunities for thousands of Filipinos, from hospitality roles to IT and customer service positions in POGOs.
Real estate developers have also capitalized on this demand, with properties springing up near major casinos and gaming hubs. The spending power of Chinese visitors extends beyond gaming tables, as they frequently patronize high-end shopping malls, restaurants, and other luxury amenities in the Philippines.
Political and Legal Challenges
Despite the economic benefits, the relationship between China and Philippine casinos has been a delicate balancing act. Chinese authorities have long opposed the outflow of funds to overseas gambling operations. In response, China has exerted diplomatic pressure on the Philippine government to curb activities linked to Chinese nationals, especially regarding POGOs, which operate predominantly in the online space.
In 2020, China called on the Philippines to ban online gambling, citing concerns over the exploitation of its citizens and illegal capital outflow. While recognizing the economic contribution of POGOs, the Philippine government has faced growing pressure to regulate and control these operations more strictly. Crackdowns on illegal operations, tax compliance issues, and the question of whether to continue allowing POGOs have created uncertainty about the future.
Social Impacts and Sustainability Concerns
The heavy reliance on Chinese gamblers raises questions about the industry’s long-term sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic, which drastically reduced global travel, exposed the vulnerabilities of an industry reliant on foreign tourists. With Chinese gamblers making up a large portion of casino patrons, any future restrictions on travel or economic fluctuations in China could have ripple effects on Philippine casinos.
There are also concerns over the social impact, as the proliferation of POGOs has been linked to issues such as human trafficking, organized crime, and illegal employment of Chinese nationals. These challenges have led to a more critical examination of Chinese influences’ role in shaping the Philippine gaming landscape.
A Path Forward

The Philippine casino industry must adapt to balance its reliance on Chinese patrons while diversifying its market base. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and addressing social and legal concerns will be vital to maintaining sustainable growth. Diversifying gaming revenue streams by attracting tourists from other regions and enforcing responsible gaming policies will also be crucial.
The future of Philippine casinos is closely tied to China’s evolving stance on gambling and overseas investments. Whether the country continues to benefit from this relationship will depend on its ability to navigate the political, economic, and social challenges that arise from being a gaming hub for Chinese nationals.

Hristo (Christo to his friends) is a seasoned iGaming professional with 18 years experience building iGaming & Fintech products – Casino, Sportbook, Poker, Bingo, Social gaming and Fintech products gathered throughout his career in PokerStars, Winner.com, Playtech, Reflex Gaming. Strong knowledge and expertise in Marketing, Operations, Strategy building and business relationship management.