In a big regulatory transfer, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Government Order (EO) No. 74, enacting a direct prohibition on all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and associated offshore gaming actions within the nation. Signed on November 5, the EO formalizes the POGO ban, initially declared throughout Marcos’ State of the Nation Handle in July, and mandates an entire wind-down of all such operations by December 31, 2024.
The excellent directive covers not solely POGO licensees but in addition entities reclassified below the newer designation of Web Gaming Licensees (IGLs), successfully together with all operators that cater to worldwide audiences by way of on-line gaming. Each POGOs and IGLs have confronted criticism over alleged associations with organized crime, some extent underscored by the Marcos administration because the driving pressure behind the ban. By introducing a transparent framework, the EO additionally goals to remove any ambiguity round which entities fall below the prohibition.
The EO additional defines and restricts a number of auxiliary providers tied to offshore gaming, based on PhilStar. This consists of POGO Gaming Brokers who signify offshore-based licensees, POGO service suppliers—equivalent to native enterprise course of outsourcing (BPO) facilities—and corporations offering strategic or IT assist, reside studio streaming, or gaming software program for offshore operations. The EO underscores that every one on-line video games of probability—together with live-streamed e-casino video games, random quantity generator video games, and on-line sports activities betting—are completely directed at gamers outdoors of the Philippines. Any POGO or IGL working with out applicable licenses is now labeled as unlawful and can face heightened authorities crackdowns.
Multi-Company Coordination and Enforcement
To execute the EO’s mandates successfully, two technical working teams (TWGs) have been created. The Anti-Unlawful Offshore Gaming Operations Working Group will concentrate on eliminating unlicensed POGO operations, monitoring violations, and coordinating deportations of any overseas nationals concerned in illicit gaming actions. This TWG will function below the management of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Fee (PAOCC) with the Division of Justice (DOJ) as vice-chair.
The second group, the Employment Restoration and Reintegration Working Group, is tasked with mitigating the financial impression of the ban by facilitating job placements, reskilling, and upskilling for displaced employees throughout the business. Chaired by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Company (PAGCOR) and vice-chaired by the Division of Labor and Employment (DOLE), this group is anticipated to handle the employment disruption that may observe the cessation of POGO operations.
Steering for Authorities Businesses and the Non-public Sector
The EO additionally outlines particular duties for a number of authorities departments. PAGCOR, the first gaming regulatory physique, has been instructed to expedite the gathering of excellent charges and taxes related to POGO operations. In the meantime, native authorities items (LGUs) are empowered to implement the ban inside their jurisdictions and should report any violations associated to unauthorized offshore gaming.
For the personal sector, the federal government has urged landlords and repair suppliers, equivalent to web and utility firms, to think about waiving penalties or early termination charges for POGO operators as they wind down their actions. This request goals to ease the operational exit for companies that is perhaps affected by the abrupt halt in offshore gaming.
Influence on International Funding and Tourism
The Marcos administration has argued that the POGO sector poses vital “reputational dangers” that would deter overseas funding and undermine the nation’s broader financial and tourism targets. With the Philippines trying to set up itself as a steady and enticing vacation spot for worldwide enterprise, the affiliation of POGOs with crime and social challenges was cited as a risk to the nation’s picture. The administration emphasised that the ban seeks to scale back crime charges, deal with social issues, and shield susceptible people who is perhaps exploited inside this business.
The Philippine Division of Justice has additionally prolonged warnings to worldwide jurisdictions, equivalent to Timor-Leste, highlighting potential points that will come up if POGO operators try to relocate their companies overseas. The DOJ’s cautionary outreach underscores issues that former POGO entities may resume operations in areas with much less stringent regulatory oversight.
