In a landmark move, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially signed an executive order ending all offshore gaming operations in the country. This decisive policy shift, issued on November 5, mandates that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) licenses, along with related offshore gaming licenses, expire by December 31, 2024. The order titled “Immediate Ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming, Internet Gaming, and Other Offshore Gaming Operations in the Philippines” stops the issuance of new licenses and bans any renewals or extensions under the POGO and Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL) programs.
This change, previously highlighted by President Marcos during his State of the Nation Address in July, aims to address the social and economic concerns tied to offshore gaming, which had become one of Asia’s most extensive digital gambling markets.
Mitigating Economic Impact and Supporting Affected Workers
To handle the aftermath of the shutdown, the government has established two key working groups. The Working Group on Employment Recovery and Reintegration will assist Filipino workers affected by the ban, offering job placement programs, reskilling initiatives, and financial support to ease the transition.
The Working Group on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations has been tasked with intensifying efforts against illegal gambling. This group will collaborate with law enforcement to dismantle unauthorized gaming networks, pursue criminal cases against involved individuals, and deport any foreign nationals caught in illicit activities.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is also directed to expedite the collection of pending taxes and fees from POGO operators. Moreover, the Department of Justice recently cautioned countries like Timor-Leste about the potential risks associated with allowing offshore gaming operators to establish operations within their jurisdictions.
Other nations view this as an economic opportunity as the Philippines leaves the offshore gambling sector. The Isle of Man, which is renowned for its stringent regulations, is looking into the prospect of accepting reputable casino businesses who adhere to its stringent rules. According to a Digital Isle of Man spokesman, the new regulatory framework may offer “a strategic opportunity” to draw in ethical offshore gaming companies.
Industry observers think that the Philippines’ reputation for providing expert gaming support services would persuade some operators to keep outsourcing operations there even in the face of the total ban. However, as the nation places a higher priority on developing a safer, more regulated gambling environment for its residents and the international community, this change is probably going to drastically alter the Philippine gaming scene.
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