A lower licensing fee for Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) operations is seen as a mutually beneficial act for both operators and regulators.

Authorities in the Philippines are increasing the pressure on illegal online gambling hubs, barring over 150 Vietnamese nationals from the country in the month of March alone.

Philippine Congressman Gus Tambunting says the House is equally divided in regards to gaming support, in particular of online. Meanwhile, the sale of Casino Filipino venues is proof of how seriously the nation is taking its gaming, with current laws unlikely to change under future administrations. The official also says that the gaming regulator, PAGCOR, “needs more teeth” in order to properly enforce regulations.

The Supreme Court has rejected petitions contesting the jurisdiction of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to enforce regulatory measures on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) as per the approved RR-POGO in 2016.

POGO operators still comprise some 20 percent of the office space transactions in Metro Manila, despite a drop in demand amongst ongoing changes to the online space. Real estate group Colliers notes that there has been "no significant effect on the overall office market".

Despite the ongoing shortfall in demand for office spaces from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) compared to pre-COVID levels, POGO operators still comprised 20 percent of office space deals in 2023.

For lawyer Tonet Quiogue, POGOs have made significant contributions to the Philippine's economy, and authorities should be more focused on enforcing existing laws for the sector, rather than shutting them down.

A House hearing has spurred calls for a POGO ban, escalating the debate. But a gaming lawyer in the Philippines urges focusing on enforcing laws, citing POGOs' economic contributions.

The Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR is facing a tough challenge from opponents of offshore gaming operators, battling uphill to prove their worth amongst a spate of recent raids and arrests. A top lawyer breaks down how a full POGO ban could come about, and other opportunities the regulator is exploring.

Although a stricter regulatory framework has been implemented in the country, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is still under heavy scrutiny and pressure to prove that it has the ability to supervise and regulate IGLs (formerly POGOs), says industry lawyer Marie Antonette Quiogue