Philippine authorities are raising the alarm that an increasing number of nationals are being lured outside the country with the promise of a job in the offshore gambling market. The country banned the controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) program last year and implemented its plan in January 2025.
The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration (PBI) issued a statement last week warning of an “increasing number of Filipino trafficking victims illegally departing the country through backdoor routes to work in ‘POGO-like’ ‘companies abroad.”
The statement included: “The Bureau of Immigration has been actively strengthening border security measures, but the agency stresses the need for greater coordination with local authorities to prevent illegal departures through other routes.”
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in July 2024 that POGOs—also known as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs)—would need to cease operations in the country by the end of 2024.
Since then, many industry insiders have reported that offshore casino companies are moving just outside of the country and still operating online. Other offshore gaming operators have gone offline, while others still operate in secrecy.
Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado of the Bureau of Immigration stated, “Everyone must work together, as there is a need to strengthen efforts at all levels to curb illegal departures. ”
“Traffickers are exploiting illegal routes to avoid detection by immigration, making it crucial for local government units and local authorities to increase monitoring and enforcement in vulnerable areas,” he added in comments carried in Tuesday’s release.
Are Online Casinos Still Legal In The Philippines?
Yes, in the Philippines, residents and tourists have access to offshore online casinos and those operating under PAGCOR, which are located within the country.
Since PH gambling laws do not forbid online casinos, sports, or poker gambling, players can choose a site and bet as they wish. Many PH players choose offshore sites due to their acceptance of digital assets like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and more. Players also like the bigger rewards, the extensive library of games, and lucrative sign-up bonuses.
It is important to note that known sites that aren’t licensed are typically blocked from the Philippines. However, some rogue operators go unnoticed for extended periods.