The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has reiterated that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will cease operations in the country by the close of this year.
PAGCOR Chairperson Alejandro Tengco shared that the agency began the process of closing down POGOs linked to illegal activities shortly after he took office in 2022. Initially, there were 298 online gambling hubs operating in the Philippines, but this number has been reduced to just 13 as of November 30th.
“By December 15, we expect to have zero POGOs remaining,” Tengco stated during a forum at the Stratbase ADR Institute, according to local media. He added that any POGOs still in operation after January 1st, 2025, including those located in provincial areas, will be classified as illegal due to the cancellation of their licenses.
Tengco also noted that the responsibility for enforcing this ban will lie with law enforcement agencies, as PAGCOR does not have police powers.
This decision follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s nationwide ban on POGOs issued in July, prompted by allegations of serious crimes, including human trafficking and financial scams involving several operators.
In September, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported that approximately 40,000 Filipino workers would be affected by the ban.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) had set an October 15th deadline for foreign workers previously employed by POGOs to downgrade their visas or risk deportation, with over 21,000 foreign workers applying for visa adjustments.
Earlier this month, President Marcos signed Executive Order No. 74, which broadens the ban to cover illegal offshore gaming operations, as well as new license applications and renewals.
An inter-agency task force has also been established, comprising the BI, Department of Justice, DOLE, and other agencies, to oversee the closure of POGOs and provide support to impacted workers.
