President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has officially signed Executive Order No. 74, which bans all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), internet gaming, and other offshore gaming services in the Philippines, following his announcement during his State of the Nation Address in July.
EO No. 74 prohibits the issuance of new licenses, renewals, and operations of offshore gaming. It also mandates that all existing POGO licenses be terminated, with complete cessation of operations required by December 31, 2024.
President Marcos pointed to the industry’s link to crimes such as scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and murder as reasons for the decision. He stated that POGOs, which offer online games of chance to foreign players outside the country, had led to significant criminal activity and social concerns.
The order classifies all POGOs and offshore gaming operators lacking proper government licenses as illegal gambling entities. It also directs the Philippine National Police, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, and other agencies to intensify efforts against unlicensed offshore gaming operations.
Additionally, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development will work with homeowner associations to prevent illegal POGO operations within residential communities, urging immediate reporting of any suspected illegal gaming activities.
To address the economic impact on displaced workers, the government will set up a Task Force on Employment Recovery and Reintegration, providing skills training and alternative job opportunities for Filipino workers affected by the ban. Data from the Department of Finance indicates that, as of 2023, approximately 66,547 POGO employees were in the Philippines, with 25,200 Filipinos and the rest foreign nationals.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan previously reported that POGOs contributed less than 0.5% of the Philippine GDP, suggesting a limited economic impact from the ban. The crackdown follows recent raids that uncovered links between POGOs and criminal activities.
Marcos has instructed the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to ensure a full shutdown of all POGO operations by the end of 2024.