Only seventeen Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) remain in the country; however, they must cease operations by December 31st.
Philippine President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. banned the offshore gaming operators (POGO) program in July 2024. After the licensing program was relinquished, operators had until December 31st to shut down and leave the country.
In 2019, the number of POGO-licensed sites exceeded 300 operations. By 2023, stricter regulations brought the number of POGO sites down to about 75 operators.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman, Alejandro Tengco, told the Manila Times that the ban is working, and operators are leaving before the December 31st deadline. He also stated that “no more licensed POGOs are operating by the end of this year.”
However, he dodged the question concerning illegal offshore operators. Unlicensed POGO operators are greatly responsible for the backlash associated with the offshore gaming industry. Often linked to kidnapping and sex trafficking, rogue operators have been abusing the system for years.
As the new year rings, there there there will be no legal offshore casinos in the country, and rogue operators will have no disguise. Possible punishments for law include hefty fines, deportation, and potential imprisonment.
Will Philippine Online Casinos Be Banned In 2025?
No, online casinos in the Philippines are plentiful and will continue to operate in 2025. However, operators that can only accept players outside the country will cease to exist.
In the Philippines, gamblers have two options for placing bets online.
- Domestic online casinos—Domestic casinos can offer their games online to players physically located in the Philippines. Since the gambling age is set to 21, only players over that age can gamble online. Some casinos require players to register in person, and others require players to prove their identity before issuing withdrawals.
- Offshore casinos – Online casinos outside the country can also accept players from the Philippines. These sites were the first online casinos in the country and have included PH-friendly casino banking options. Since offshore casinos don’t have to abide by gambling age requirements from the Philippines, you can find some online casino sites that will accept players over 18.
What Is Next For PAGCOR and The POGO Licensing Program?
PAGCOR is set to sell its government-owned casinos by the end of 2026 as it looks to improve its licensing program’s integrity further. By the start of the new year, the POGO program will be banned entirely, and rogue operators will be punished and deported if necessary.
There are only 17 operators still in the country in December of 2024, and their licenses are set to expire by the end of the year. PAGCOR hasn’t issued new POGO licenses since August 2019.