President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr (pictured above). has officially enacted Executive Order No. 74, enforcing an immediate ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and other offshore gaming activities. The directive, signed on 5 November 2024, is designed to curtail the rise in criminal activity and social risks allegedly linked to the POGO industry, mandating a complete cessation of operations by 31 December 2024, or earlier.
The President explained in a statement, “The State has the paramount duty to safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation.” Citing increased crime rates, exploitation of vulnerable communities, and risks to financial integrity, Marcos expressed an unequivocal commitment to end offshore gaming operations in his State of the Nation Address in July.
The new executive order applies broadly, covering all forms of offshore gaming operators, including those licensed by PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation), POGO gaming agents, and associated service providers such as business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. This encompasses entities offering technical support, live studio streaming, IT, and gaming software services.
Under this order, all unlicensed POGO and IGL (Internet Gaming Licensee) activities are now classified as illegal gambling, and the issuance or renewal of licences has ceased. By year-end, all licensed entities must completely wind up operations, dismantling associated business components and auxiliary services.
Response to national security and financial risks
An Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) report warned that POGOs are highly susceptible to money laundering and fraud, which jeopardises the financial system’s integrity. The order states that “the high reputational risks associated with POGO/IGL operations deter foreign investment and tourism, undermining the efforts of the National Government in promoting the country as a safe and sustainable investment and tourism destination.”
The order also assigns responsibilities to several national government bodies. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency are now tasked with intensifying crackdowns on both licensed and unlicensed offshore gaming operations.
Additionally, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) will work to prevent gaming operations from proliferating in residential developments, while the Department of Tourism will monitor tourism-related establishments to prevent their use in illegal gaming activities.
Support and transition measures
Acknowledging the economic impact on the thousands of Filipino workers employed in the POGO sector, the government has established Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to aid in employment recovery and worker reintegration. The TWG on Employment Recovery and Reintegration aims to provide upskilling and reskilling programmes to help displaced workers transition to new roles, thus minimising the socioeconomic fallout from the industry’s closure.
The Executive Order also encourages the private sector to assist with this transition, urging landlords, utility providers, and service contractors to waive penalties and fees associated with terminated contracts for these operators.
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