The Indonesian Ministry of Communications has told telecommunications service providers to shut down access to lines linked to Philippine and Cambodian online gambling sites.
Indonesia will focus on sites linked to Cambodia and Davao City, Philippines, that are suspected to offer online gambling services such as casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks.
Online gambling is strictly prohibited in Indonesia, yet it is believed that a significant number of the estimated 3.2 million players per year are teachers and homemakers, according to data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center. This government agency, responsible for monitoring financial transactions, has also projected that the total value of these transactions could reach USD 36.5 billion by the first quarter of 2024.
Indonesian state officials have recently decided to crack down on gambling over the web due to two high-profile cases involving crime, money laundering, and suicide. President Joko Widodo has directly called upon the public to play an active role in this fight against gambling by reporting all activities. The government has also threatened popular sites such as TikTok, Google, and Meta for promoting gambling sites via ads.
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators License
In 2016, the Philippine government introduced the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) licensing program as a means to generate additional revenue for the country. However, the program has recently come under fire from various quarters. While the POGO program itself is not the root of the problem, the proliferation of unlicensed casinos operating without proper regulation has tarnished its reputation.
Unlicensed gambling sites have been directly linked to heinous crimes such as human trafficking and other serious offenses in the country. Recently, the Philippine National Police has joined forces with other government agencies in a concerted effort to combat these illegal gambling operations. The PH government has made no statement on the POGO program despite its critics calling for dismantlement. However, they have significantly escalated the fight against illegal online gambling operations.
Legit Philippine Gambling Sites
Filipinos can access both domestic and offshore casino sites operating legally online. We generally prefer the ladder due to its increased bonus rewards, crypto acceptance, and trusted regulation.
Online, you can gamble on anything, and the convenience is unmatched for someone who likes to wager often. Popular casino options include blackjack betting, slots, roulette, and baccarat, and you can also find live dealer games.
The sites on our site will not be banned in Cambodia or the Philippines as they all operate from a trusted gambling jurisdiction. Licensed casino sites undergo rigorous software testing for fairness and are issued quarterly compliance records that deem the site safe to play. However, if you choose to gamble, make sure you abide by local restrictions to avoid conflicts that could occur.