Regulator Considers New Offshore Gaming Model Despite Ban

Despite the President’s mandate to shut down all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by year-end, the Philippines’ gaming regulator is exploring the possibility of an “upgraded version” of offshore gaming.

Alejandro H. Tengco, head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), shared this perspective with the House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations on Tuesday.

Tengco acknowledged the current directive to wind down POGO operations but suggested that future opportunities might arise to develop a refined version of offshore gaming.

He noted that PAGCOR had already been working on improvements before the president’s ban, reducing the number of licensed International Gaming Licenses (IGLs) from nearly 300 to 43. Tengco emphasized that these 43 IGLs were operating legally and contributing to government revenue and employment.

Tengco also mentioned efforts to exclude special business process outsourcing companies (SBPOs) from the ban, as they do not handle direct betting. This move could potentially preserve up to 10,000 jobs.

Read related article: All POGOs banned in PH by President Marcos

Source: AGB