The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has ceased accepting new applications from Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) following the implementation of a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
During the commencement of a joint public hearing by the Quad Committee in Bacolor, Pampanga, SAGIP Party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta inquired whether PAGCOR had complied with President Bongbong Marcos’ directive, which was announced during his third State of the Nation Address.
According to PAGCOR Vice President for Offshore Gaming and Licensing Department, Atty. Jessa Fernandez, the agency has stopped processing new applications and additional site requests. They have also begun implementing a hiring freeze for the industry.
Fernandez further noted that IGLs are reducing their operational sites and have voluntarily started applying for the cessation of operations. As a result, their operations are expected to shrink significantly in the coming months.
POGOs, or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, first gained prominence in the Philippines around 2016 as the country sought to capitalize on the growing online gaming industry. The concept was simple: offshore gaming operators would be based in the Philippines, serving primarily foreign markets, particularly in China. The industry quickly boomed, bringing in significant revenue through licensing fees and taxes.
However, POGOs also attracted controversy, with concerns over illegal activities, tax evasion, and their impact on the local economy. The influx of foreign workers and related issues further fueled public and political opposition. Over the years, various measures were implemented to regulate the industry, but these were often met with challenges.
The situation came to a head when President Bongbong Marcos, in his third State of the Nation Address, ordered a crackdown on POGOs, citing security risks and other concerns. This led to the current total ban, effectively marking the end of the POGO era in the Philippines.