The Philippines has made a significant decision to ban offshore gaming operators, particularly targeting an industry that predominantly serves Chinese gamblers and has raised concerns about its alleged ties to organized crime.
Referred to as POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), these entities have proliferated throughout the country, employing a large number of Chinese and foreign nationals, both legally and illegally.
In a recent state of the nation address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a complete shutdown of the industry, citing the industry's expansion into illicit activities beyond gaming, such as financial fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking.
The move comes amidst escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with China likely to support the ban due to its strict anti-gambling laws.
Since their inception in 2016 under the previous administration, POGOs have become a significant part of the Philippine online gaming landscape, attracting players primarily from China.
The ban follows a crackdown on illegal gambling activities in Southeast Asia, with the Philippines being a hub for online scams that have victimized individuals globally.
Authorities have raised concerns about the exploitation of workers in the industry, with reports of human trafficking and other criminal activities linked to POGOs.
The Chinese embassy in Manila has supported the ban, highlighting the need to address the social issues associated with offshore gambling.
China has been actively discouraging its citizens from engaging in cross-border gambling, emphasizing that such activities violate Chinese laws.
The ban on POGOs in the Philippines reflects a broader effort to combat illicit activities and protect individuals from falling victim to online scams and criminal enterprises.
