In many ways, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is the same kind of political outsider and populist stalwart as his more famous American analog half a world away. And while that might occasionally lead to a controversial admission or the occasional paring back of the window dressing of governance, it has also made him fervently beloved … Read more
By now, it’s no secret that China isn’t a fan of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs. Indeed, China president Xi Jinping recently met with Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in an effort to get the latter’s administration to ban offshore gaming altogether. The communist leader claimed that POGOs were preying on Chinese nationals and contributing … Read more
Two weeks ago, China formally requested that the Philippine government put an end to the country’s online gambling industry. However, without tying the request to meaningful economic incentives of any kind, Beijing’s offer wasn’t exactly one that Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte couldn’t refuse. So he refused it. On Wednesday, Duterte explained to the media – … Read more
In the Philippines, online casinos are legally authorized, but their services are targeted almost exclusively at the offshore Chinese market. Now, China is asking the Philippine government to put a stop to the profitable industry. Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs, were launched in 2016 under the umbrella of PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and … Read more
The Main Event of The International 2019 (TI9) is currently underway in Shanghai, China. As the marquee Dota 2 competition and richest eSports tournament in history, teams from all over the world competed throughout the year to make the cut. And two of the 16 teams that did are from the Philippines: TNC Predator and … Read more
Despite pressure from the Chinese government to crack down on Filipino online gambling sites, the Philippines might be looking at ways to stimulate their growth. Richard T. Raymundo, managing director of Colliers International, thinks the Philippines needs to streamline business permitting through their Philippine Economic Zone Authority. Colliers International is a commercial real estate firm … Read more
On Wednesday August 7th, the Chinese Embassy in Manila released a statement concerning online gambling in mainland China. The statement read: “Any form of gambling by Chinese citizens, including online gambling, gambling overseas, and opening casinos overseas to attract citizens of China as primary customers, is illegal.” This statement was citing Chinese law regarding online … Read more
Last Friday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure of all lottery and gambling services run by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Less than a week later, much of the ban has been lifted. The purpose for the ban – which reportedly affected some 30,000 gambling kiosks in the country – was to suspend … Read more
In 2018, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told the media that no new casinos would be built during his presidency. Now almost a year later that decision might be reversed according to his praise of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) President Andrea Domingo and the revenue earned so far this year. President Duterte praised PAGCOR … Read more
This Saturday Manny “Pacman” Pacquaio will enter the ring for his 71st professional boxing fight. This time Pacquaio will be fighting for a welterweight belt held by Keith “One Time” Thurman ten years his junior. This World Boxing Association (WBA) fight has already generated some hype and has been labeled as boxing’s biggest night in … Read more