The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of has brought a tax evasion complaint against offshore gaming operator Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc., alleging that the company failed to properly declare income and tax obligations over a three-year period. According to the tax authority, the case was filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Aug. 6 and seeks to recover approximately ₱2.23 billion in alleged tax deficiencies. The investigation focused on Hongsheng’s activities from 2021 through 2023 and forms part […]

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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) could move a step closer to separating its regulatory responsibilities from its casino operations as early as August, according to comments from Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco. The proposal, which has been under discussion for several years, would transform PAGCOR into a purely regulatory agency while paving the way for the privatization of its Casino Filipino network. The state-run casino brand currently operates more than 40 venues across the Philippines. Tengco said the […]

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The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has implemented a sweeping ban on online gambling in the Philippines, barring all personnel, employees of attached agencies, and elected or appointed officials from local government units (LGUs) from accessing or participating in such activities. The order, issued under Memorandum Circular No. 2025-082, takes effect immediately and warns that violations will result in administrative and/or criminal charges under applicable laws and regulations. Policy Expands Previous Casino Ban to Online Platforms The ban extends beyond […]

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The Philippine gaming industry saw a major shift in the first half of 2025 as the online gaming segment surged to unprecedented heights, surpassing traditional casino earnings for the first time. According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), revenues from the electronic gaming (eGames) sector—encompassing e-bingo and bingo operators—reached ₱114.83 billion between January and June, accounting for approximately 53.47% of the country’s total gross gaming revenues (GGR). This figure not only represents a year-on-year increase of 82.6%, but […]

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In a move that surprised some and reassured others, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. made no mention of online gambling during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), despite widespread anticipation he would confront the controversial topic. The silence was interpreted by many industry watchers as a deliberate strategy rather than an oversight. Last year, Marcos took firm action during his SONA by banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) due to their association with serious criminal activities. Many believed this year’s address would follow suit with […]

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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has formally voiced its opposition to proposals seeking a blanket prohibition on online gambling, stressing that reinforcing regulatory mechanisms—not banning the industry outright—is the more practical and beneficial solution for the country. PAGCOR Chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco, cited by Inquirer.net, highlighted the critical role that regulation plays in managing the fast-evolving online gaming sector. “Pagcor’s current stand is not a total ban, but stricter regulation,” Tengco said, underscoring that the core of […]

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Top officials from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) have formally submitted their resignations in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiative to reorganize government leadership. The move, confirmed late last week, signals alignment with the administration’s aim to enhance the efficiency and focus of state-run institutions. PAGCOR leadership resigns to back Marcos’ government realignment: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco announced that he, along with the full PAGCOR Board of Directors, had voluntarily tendered their resignations even before Malacañang issued an official […]

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The Philippine government is ramping up its efforts to enforce a nationwide ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), focusing on the deportation of over 11,000 foreign nationals involved in these operations. This crackdown follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate the disruptive influence of POGOs on the nation. Thousands of workers face deportation: According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), of the 33,863 POGO workers previously registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), many have already left the country. By the December 31, […]

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The Philippine government has officially shut down the largest Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility in Kawit, Cavite. This move is part of the administration’s sweeping effort to end all offshore gaming operations in the country by December 31, 2024, as mandated by Executive Order 74 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, along with PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco, PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, and PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, led the ceremonial closure of […]

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Although President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has issued a clear mandate to eliminate all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities, illegal operations continue to thrive. Many operators have adapted by relocating their operations and rebranding as legitimate businesses, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. This was highlighted during the Senate panel’s final investigation into the POGO issue, chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros. Evasion Through Strategic Rebranding: During the inquiry, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Director Winnie Quidato shared insights […]

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