PAGCOR to release list of POGOs, legit online gambling sites

As part of its ongoing efforts to regulate the online gaming industry, PAGCOR will release the complete list of licensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) at the beginning of October. Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PAGCOR, disclosed these updates at the IAG Academy Summit, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to transparency in the POGO sector.

To increase openness, Tengco vowed to publish on the PAGCOR website the URLs of all legitimate online gambling websites administered by licensed POGOs and Philippine Inland gambling Operators (PIGOs). This decision is in response to PAGCOR’s recent warning about the proliferation of unauthorized websites using its logo.

In light of numerous complaints of illegal activities involving POGOs, such as human trafficking, illegal detention, and cryptocurrency schemes, PAGCOR has adopted a “probationary stance” toward all POGOs as of 1 August 2023. Each POGO was required to reapply for licenses under the revised regulatory framework. Tengco disclosed that the application deadline is September 17, with new licenses anticipated to be issued by the end of the month and an official announcement to follow.

Tengco stated that PAGCOR will update its website and make use of print and social media to inform the public about the new licensees once they have acquired the said list. In the first week of October, the final list of licensees will be conspicuously displayed on the PAGCOR website, he assured.

In response to a question regarding the publication of the URLs of websites operated by licensees, Tengco responded that they will also be publishing it as part of their efforts to inform the public about the legitimate licensees. This measure intends to distinguish legitimate operators from illicit ones and promote transparency and accountability in the Philippine online gaming industry.

Original story by: IAG