The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will cease operations in the country by December 15, 2024.
PAGCOR Chairperson Alejandro Tengco stated during a forum organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute that the shutdown marks the culmination of efforts to address illegal activities linked to POGO operations.
“From 48 [licensed operators] as of November 30, we’re down to about 13. By December 15… it will be zero,” Tengco said, adding that any POGOs still operating by January 1, 2025, would be considered illegal due to license cancellations.
Ban Driven by Criminal Links
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the complete ban on POGOs in July, following criminal cases involving operators, including human trafficking, illegal detention, and financial scams.
PAGCOR began shutting down operations shortly after Tengco took office in 2022, reducing the original 298 online gambling hubs to 48 before the ban was enforced.
Impacts of the Ban
The crackdown has affected thousands of workers:
- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported that approximately 40,000 Filipino workers will lose their jobs.
- Over 21,000 foreign workers have applied to downgrade their visas, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which set an October 15 deadline for compliance to avoid deportation.
To address the ban’s consequences, an inter-agency task force led by the Department of Justice, DOLE, BI, and other agencies was formed. This group is tasked with overseeing closures and assisting displaced workers.
Broader Measures
President Marcos also signed Executive Order No. 74 earlier this month, extending the ban to cover:
- Illegal offshore gaming operations,
- New license applications,
- License renewals, and
- Ongoing operations.
The enforcement of the ban will rely on law enforcement agencies, as PAGCOR lacks policing authority.