Philippine authorities have detained more than 400 individuals in a raid on a suspected online gambling and scam hub in Pasay City.
Officials stated that the raid conducted on February 26 targeted those believed to be involved in an illegal online gaming operation, cryptocurrency fraud, and both romance and investment scams.
According to reports, the detainees include 207 Chinese and 132 Vietnamese nationals, along with other individuals from South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Madagascar. Among those found at the scene were 52 Filipinos working as housekeeping staff; officials have indicated that these workers were not involved in criminal activities, though they were taken into custody for processing.
The raid is part of ongoing efforts by Philippine law enforcement to address illegal online operations. A concerned citizen’s tip about an unusual concentration of foreign nationals residing in a condominium building prompted the raid. Authorities seized computers, stacks of SIM cards, and other electronic devices. The Pasay City government subsequently ordered the establishment closed for lacking a business permit.
The crackdown on cyber scams has gained international attention, with the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights noting in a 2023 report that criminal networks across Southeast Asia have recruited many individuals to participate in online scams. The persistence of these illicit enterprises has raised concerns about corruption within regulatory and law enforcement bodies, with speculation that bribes may have allowed illegal online gambling outfits to continue despite government efforts to dismantle them.
Is Online Gambling Legal In The Philippines?
Online casinos are legal in the Philippines, but only when licensed by a trusted source like the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). PAGCOR is the sole regulator for all in-country gambling ventures from the Philippines.
In 2024, President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr. banned the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) program. The POGO program allowed online casino operators to offer services to other countries, not Philippine residents. The Philippine In-land Gaming Operators (PIGO) program allows brick-and-mortar casinos to offer their services to residents and tourists. However, they must obtain a license from PAGCOR before operating online.
Can I Trust an Online Casino?
Yes, online Philippine casinos licensed with a trustworthy gaming regulator are safe to play and can be trusted. Online gaming regulators often require compliance checks, during which the games are tested for fairness. They also test security protocols to ensure they are working properly and that account vitals are protected.
While online casinos are great for most players, a few break the rules and abuse their accounts. This type of action often gives online casinos a bad reputation among their critics but cannot be considered a viable reflection of the industry.