Senate President Francis Escudero is calling for a review of the Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGO) service, saying there should be a greater concern about the industry’s impact on residents.
Escudero believes that the inland operators have benefited from the controversies surrounding the Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGO) industry and have mainly gone unnoticed. However, he thinks the country should be more concerned with the inland operators as they directly affect PH residents.
Escudero said, “We should review this because the ill effects that we want to avoid are most likely present in PIGO’s, which affect only Filipinos and not foreigners.”
Several prominent government officials have also expressed concerns about the effects online gambling could have on people with low incomes and those with little disposable income. Escudero went as far as claiming POGO operators are likely just hiding behind legal avenues.
“We allowed PIGOS, where the gamblers are Filipinos, not foreigners. Those who are running out of money are Filipinos, not foreigners, and it’s likely that the former POGOs are hiding behind PIGOs,” he added.
PAGCOR’s Role
In the Philippines, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) closely regulates all gambling-related activities. First established in the 1970s by PD 1067-a, PAGCOR oversees local casinos, sportsbooks, and poker gambling in the country.
Today, PAGCOR issues licenses for in-person and online casinos and is tasked with collecting revenue from license holders. Escudero is asking PAGCOR to perform an in-depth review of the inland operators and to determine the industry’s benefits to the country. He is asking if the revenue is worth the risk it poses to the public.
Escudero stated, “I know that PAGCOR earns a significant amount of money from this. It’s a major source of revenue and income for the government. However, if they could turn their backs on the substantial revenue and income from POGOs, then there’s no reason they can’t do that for PIGOs, especially if it is not doing any good to our fellow citizens, which I believe it is not.”
Online Gambling In The Philippines
The Philippines is one of several countries that allow both inland and offshore gambling sites to accept its residents. While many have cautioned against unregulated gambling sites, the government has adopted a play-at-your-own-risk mentality.
Legal online PH gambling sites come from both domestic and international brands and offer a wide range of gambling options to players over the age of 18. Popular casino games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, video poker, slots, and specialty games. Many of the sites available to PH players also host sportsbooks, horse race betting options, and traditional poker apps.