An estimated 20,000 foreign workers have been asked to leave the country following the national ban on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) program.
The POGO program was introduced in 2003 but was expanded in 2016 under former president Rodrigo Duterte. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the POGO program brought essential revenue to the country and was developed further as public gatherings were restricted and local casinos were forced to close.
Last month, current President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. banned the program after numerous complaints concerning human trafficking and other illegal activities were spurred by the industry.
Marcos was quoted as saying, “The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop.” Now that the program has been relinquished, an estimated 20,000 industry workers have 60 days to leave the country. Most of the workers are Chinese; however, there are workers from many other Asian countries. Workers who stay past the allotted time will be deported.
China Supports POGO Expulsion
Since the expansion of the POGO program in 2016, China has been a critic of the industry, insinuating that gambling sites are targeting China, where gambling is illegal. The relations between China and the Philippines have been strained since Duterte first refused to shut down the program.
All gambling services in the Philippines are regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), a regulatory body enacted by PD 1067-A in 1977. In addition to regulating the gambling industry, PAGCOR also owns about 40 casinos and satellite gaming locations. The regulator is looking to privatize the industry by 2025 and sell all its casinos to the private sector to focus on regulation.
Can I Still Play Online Casino Games In The Philippines?
Both domestic and offshore casinos are allowed to operate online in the Philippines. Popular online casino games include slots gambling, blackjack, roulette, and video poker. You can even find live dealer games at select offshore casino sites.
PAGCOR has also announced plans for an online 3D casino under the Casino Filipino brand. Not much is known about the 3D games, but the site is expected to launch in 2024.