POGOs Out: Marcos Signs Law Banning Offshore Gaming in PH

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially signed into law the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, which declares all offshore gaming operations (POGOs) and similar activities illegal in the Philippines.

Under Republic Act No. 12312, all work permits and visas issued to individuals involved in POGOs—including gaming content providers, accredited service providers, and local gaming agents—are now revoked.

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The law, signed on October 23, 2025, mandates the cancellation of licenses for all POGO-related entities and holds them accountable for unpaid taxes, duties, regulatory fees, and other government dues up to the final day of their operations.

To assist affected Filipino workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been tasked with implementing transition programs to support their livelihood and employment shift.

An Administrative Oversight Committee (AOC) will be formed to ensure the law’s effective enforcement, composed of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (as chair), the Department of Justice, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The passage of the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 marks a significant policy shift amid growing concerns over national security, criminal activity, and regulatory challenges linked to offshore gaming operations.

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