Gaming sector rakes in over P200B in revenues in 2023

CEBU, Philippines — The onsite and online gaming industry steadily rises, becoming a popular pastime among Filipinos, with revenues reaching over P200 billion in 2023.

"As far as last year's report of the company, we achieved P243 billion all over the Philippines," said Melmar Jay Jabonero, Vis-Min regional office manager for Bingo Plus Philippines.

Expansion plans are also underway, especially here in Cebu and the Visayas, where online games are also becoming popular. Two onsite branches will open in Metro Cebu within the year in addition to the eight existing branches here, while 10 branches are slated to open in other parts of the country before 2024 ends.

"In terms of gaming industry, Cebuanos or the Bisaya in particular; they are fond of gaming as part of the diversional entertainment activities," Jabonero added.

Online gaming allows players to join Casino games, Bingo, and others through their mobile phones wherever they are.

Jabonero said the rise of online and onsite gaming is not only limited to Bingo Plus as there are other competitor companies that have opened as well, seeing the industry boom in Cebu now.

"It is more than booming, layo pa ang panahon nga ma bloated ang gaming industry. In fact we are not the only gaming company that opened here in Cebu. In fact there are new gaming industry players owned by Cebuanos. Their head office is here in Cebu. They are now all over Cebu City," explained Jabonero.

With high revenues, the gaming company has paid a huge amount of tax to the local government where the branch is located. In Mandaue City alone, Bingo Plus has contributed at least a million pesos to the LGU’s tax coffers.

Aside from taxes, Jabonero said the company has also contributed in terms of employment generation and has in fact employed high school or Senior High completers as cashier or gaming attendants in their branches in Cebu.

"Swerte ang isa ka barangay nga anaa ang Bingo Plus because we pay very big taxes," said Jabonero during the launch of their search for local Brand Ambassadors for Visayas and Mindanao.

Brand ambassadors will be chosen to become digital influencers that will promote responsible gaming in the regions. — (FREEMAN)