The Philippine government has issued a cautionary advisory to its southern neighbor, Timor-Leste, regarding the potential relocation of the now-outlawed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) program.
The warning includes details concerning economic and security challenges associated with the program, as experienced by the Philippines. POGOs have been a significant part of the Philippine economy, providing substantial revenue by offering online gaming services to offshore clients, mainly Chinese players. However, the industry has been marred by numerous issues, including:
- Criminal Activities: Reports have linked POGOs to financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, and even murder.
- Regulatory Challenges: The rapid growth of the POGO industry has strained the regulatory capabilities of Philippine authorities, leading to concerns about effective oversight. In 2019, there were a reported 300 offshore gaming licenses (POGO) operating legally in the country.
- Economic Concerns: While POGOs have contributed to economic growth by providing revenue, the associated crime and security risks have prompted a reevaluation of their net benefits.
President Marcos’s Decision to Ban POGOs
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced an outright ban on POGO operations during his State of the Nation Address in July 2024. He stated:
“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder.”
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was instructed to wind down and cease POGO operations by the end of the year. Since then, over 22,000 foreign workers have returned to their country of origin.
Potential Relocation to Timor-Leste
Since the POGO industry is now gone, several PH officials have concerns the industry might try to relocate, and Timor-Leste seems to be a likely landing destination. Current President José Ramos-Horta supports offshore gaming, and the Virtual Gaming Association of Timor-Leste (VGA) has suggested issuing both B2C and B2B licensing. The industry’s regulation is expected to be molded after the industry in Malta and the Isle of Man.
During a state visit on October 1, 2024, Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla met with Timor-Leste officials, including President Ramos-Horta, to discuss this issue. Remulla highlighted the Philippines’ socio-economic and security challenges due to POGOs and advised Timor-Leste to critically assess the broader implications of allowing such operations within its borders.
Philippine Online Casinos
While the POGO industry is gone, online casinos in the Philippines are still thriving despite not being allowed to accept foreign players. Today, domestic and online casinos from outside the country can legally accept PH players.
Online sites have offered popular gameplay options, including blackjack betting, slots, roulette, and more, since the late 1990s. You can discover numerous crypto banking options, lucrative rewards, and sign-up bonuses for new account holders.