The Philippines is gearing up for the crucial final hearings on the probe into the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) program. These hearings hold the promise of unveiling the true role of the alleged criminal culprits, a significant development that will keep the public informed and engaged.
Today, there is a Senate hearing where POGOs are one of the issues to be discussed. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned the program from operation in July after receiving backlash for allowing the industry to continue.
When Marcos took office in 2022, he inherited the program. After pressure from Senators, businesspeople, and China, Marcos effectively banned the program from operating in the Philippines.
Since the POGO program was launched in 2016, the industry has provided substantial revenue for the country. However, illegal operators would often disguise themselves as legitimate operators. Critics of the industry blame illegal operators for crimes such as human trafficking, kidnappings, and more.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, a figure of authority and integrity, is leading the probe hearing. Her assurance that the Senate will ‘tie up loose ends’ in the final hearing instills confidence in the process. She also revealed, “We have gathered new information, especially regarding the presence of Chinese spies in the Philippines through POGOs.”
The Senators are also expected to call for stricter measures, such as enhanced regulatory oversight and more stringent licensing requirements, to keep POGOs out of the country for the foreseeable future.
Are Online Casinos Still Legal In The Philippines?
Yes, legal online casinos are still available in the Philippines, offered by both offshore and domestic casinos. The POGO program, which allowed online operators to provide services to other countries from the Philippines, is now banned. However, this ban will not affect other countries’ ability to offer their offshore services to PH players, ensuring that players can still enjoy their favorite games.
Online casinos have been operating in the Philippines since the early 2000s and have become the most trusted online casinos for many players. While domestic online services are reputable, many players choose offshore casinos for their enhanced banking options, multiple bonus rewards, and sheer amount of games.
Popular online casino games include blackjack betting, video poker variations, baccarat, roulette, slots, and specialty games like Keno and Bingo. Today, you can find online casinos offering live dealer games on a secure video/audio feed.
How Does PAGCOR Plan To Keep Revenue Lost From Banning Pogos?
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) recently announced that it plans to sell its government-owned casinos by 2026. The casinos have undergone some recent updates in preparation for the sale. PAGCOR plans to switch solely to regulation to give the industry more credibility.
With new casino properties planned in the coming years, PAGCOR will expand its licensing to include more properties. With income from local online casinos, the agency hopes to see an uptick in gambling revenue.