President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has prohibited gambling operations in the Philippines that cater to international gamblers, notably those from mainland China, due to criminal activities associated with the industry. Marcos instructed the gaming authority to shut down these offshore gambling operations by the end of the year.
"The severe abuse and disregard for our legal system must cease," Marcos declared. He highlighted that these companies were involved in illicit activities such as financial fraud, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and even murder, during his State of the Nation address.
Philippine offshore gambling operators (POGOs) came into existence in 2016, with businesses establishing themselves in the Southeast Asian country and focusing on international markets, including China where gambling is illegal. The head of the gaming regulator did not respond promptly to a request for comment.
Government data indicates that the POGO industry employed approximately 25,000 Filipinos and nearly 23,000 foreigners as of the end of 2023.
