The Philippines is on track to eliminate Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) by 2025, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for a total ban. As the December 31 deadline for licensed POGOs to cease operations approaches, authorities are bracing for the emergence of underground or “guerrilla” gaming activities.

Dismantling the POGO industry:

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed during a recent press briefing at Malacañang Palace that all POGO licenses had already been canceled. “POGO-free tayo (We are POGO-free),” he stated, while acknowledging the likelihood of rogue operators attempting to bypass the ban. “Guerrilla operations will flourish, but we will go after them.”

The decision to phase out POGOs stems from mounting concerns over criminal activities linked to the industry, including human trafficking, prostitution, and violent crimes. Responding to these issues, President Marcos ordered an immediate halt to operations in July 2024, followed by a full ban to take effect by year-end.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which regulates the industry, has already seen a significant reduction in licensed operators. According to PAGCOR Chairperson Alejandro Tengco, only seven licensed POGOs remain, compared to 60 in mid-2024 and over 300 at the industry’s peak. Tengco assured the public that the remaining operators are cooperating with authorities. “Wala naman pong pasaway sa ating mga licensees. Sila po ay cooperating both with PAGCOR and the Bureau of Immigration (BI),” he said, according to the Philippine News Agency.

By December 15, PAGCOR plans to revoke all remaining licenses, solidifying the government’s stance against offshore gaming.

Rising threat of underground operations:

While the official POGO industry winds down, concerns about unlicensed gaming operations are growing. Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilbert Cruz warned of potential underground networks forming after the ban takes effect. “Those who will dare to operate ng (on) January, huhulihin na ‘yan (they will be arrested),” Cruz said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to tackling illegal operations.

Authorities plan to implement measures to detect and shut down rogue operators. Local government officials will be required to report any suspicious POGO-related activities in their jurisdictions. “Sa aming estima, madali silang mahanap, madali silang pigilin (The way we see it, they are easy to detect, and they are easy to stop),” Remulla added. He emphasized that the goal is to make operating in the Philippines so difficult that it becomes unviable for illegal operators.

The crackdown on POGOs has also involved repatriating foreign workers linked to the industry. On December 7, over 30 Chinese citizens working in offshore gaming were sent back to China as part of a joint operation between Philippine and Chinese authorities. This marked the fourth such effort in 2024, with around 360 individuals repatriated since the ban was announced.

As GGRAsia reports, China’s embassy in Manila expressed support for the Philippines’ decision, calling it a “welcome development” given that Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling. In a statement, the embassy confirmed its continued cooperation with Philippine authorities to address illegal gambling and ensure the orderly return of Chinese nationals involved in POGO activities.

Nearing the deadline for POGO elimination, the Philippines government is intensifying efforts to prevent the rise of illegal gaming operations. By strictly enforcing the ban and collaborating with local and international partners, the country aims to address the societal issues linked to POGOs while deterring unauthorized activities.

For now, PAGCOR and law enforcement agencies remain vigilant, ensuring the transition to a POGO-free Philippines is both effective and sustainable.