Philippine President Pledges to Shut Down POGOs, Enforces Total Ban on Offshore Gaming

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to use the full force of the law to permanently shut down all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and related entities.

In a social media post following a multi-agency task force meeting on Wednesday, Marcos stated, “All the licenses of POGO and IGL operators nationwide have been canceled […] They will never be allowed to ravage our country again. Anyone who will conduct illegal operations will face the full force of the law.”

The sweeping ban, initially unveiled during Marcos’ State of the Nation Address in July, targets all forms of offshore gaming operations, including POGOs, IGLs, and other offshore gaming license holders.

When the ban was first announced, there were approximately 60 licensed POGO operators. However, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the country’s gaming regulator, has reported that only seven operators remain active as of now. PAGCOR confirmed that all POGO and IGL licenses will be revoked by December 15, with offshore gaming operations required to cease completely by December 31.

The decision to eliminate POGOs came after widespread public backlash over serious issues linked to their operations. These include allegations of fraud, human trafficking, prostitution, and even murder.

Marcos’ administration has taken a firm stance against offshore gaming, with regulators and law enforcement working in tandem to ensure the ban is fully implemented by year-end. The president’s pledge marks a decisive end to what has been a controversial industry in the Philippines.

By fLEXI tEAM