The Philippine government has set a deadline to eliminate all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by the end of December as part of a decisive move against offshore gaming.
This crackdown, which was initially revealed in July earlier this year, has been a response to mounting public pressure. At the time, 60 POGO operators were still functioning as the ban was not formalized. To address serious issues such as fraud, human trafficking, and even murder linked to POGO activities, lawmakers and community leaders proposed that the government should legalize the ban to enforce it more effectively.
President Marcos stated emphatically, “All licenses issued to POGO and IGL operators throughout the nation have been revoked. They will not be permitted to exploit our country any further. Any unauthorized operations will result in strict legal consequences.”
Currently, only seven POGO operators remain in the Philippines, all scheduled to cease operations by the year’s end. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has declared that all related licenses will be rescinded by December 15, followed by a complete shutdown by December 31.
**FAQs**
**Is gambling legal in the Philippines?**
Yes, gambling is legal in the Philippines and is regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) along with other local regulatory bodies.
**What is the legal gambling age in the Philippines?**
The legal age for casino gambling is 21, while the age limit for lottery and other forms of betting is 18.