Senator Raffy Tulfo warns PIGOs are a bigger threat than POGOs

Senator Raffy Tulfo warns that Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGOs) pose a greater threat than POGOs. 

A Philippine senator sounded the alarm over the proliferation of inland gaming operators, claiming they pose a bigger threat compared to the now-outlawed offshore gaming operators (POGO). 

Senator Raffy Tulfo has called on local regulators, through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to stop issuing new PIGO licenses and to implement stricter regulations on existing operators.

During a Senate Committee on Games and Amusement hearing, Tulfo emphasized that while POGOs preyed on foreigners, PIGOs directly target Filipino players, including minors. He warned that the growing accessibility of online gaming could lead to increased gambling addiction and higher crime rates.

"Ang POGO ang biktima ay foreigners. Of course, napakasama niyan. Pinakamasama sa lahat. Pero ang hari ng kasamaan ay itong PIGO dahil ang mga manlalaro ay Pilipino," Tulfo said. 

(POGOs preyed on foreigners, which is already bad, but PIGOs reign as the worst between the two because they target Filipinos.) 

The popularity of inshore gaming applications in the Philippines has skyrocketed as POGOs winded down their operations. With the exit of POGOs, PIGOs have become a vital source of gaming revenue in the Philippines. 

As of now, PAGCOR has granted 60 PIGO licenses. Officials claim that licensed operators must comply with the Responsible Gaming Program, which includes self-exclusion measures where players or their families can request a gambling ban. However, Tulfo dismissed the effectiveness of this approach, arguing that addicted players are unlikely to impose self-restrictions.

The senator also criticized PAGCOR's penalties for operators violating regulations, particularly those allowing minors to gamble. Under current rules, first-time offenders face a P25,000 fine, second-time offenders a P50,000 fine, and third-time violators a P100,000. Tulfo insisted that licenses should be revoked upon a second offense rather than permitting repeat violations.

In a related issue, Pagcor’s security and monitoring cluster, led by retired Brig. Gen. Raul Villanueva, reported discovering 276 illegal gambling websites in 2025, including platforms linked to former POGO operators. Of these, 136 have been blocked by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), but Tulfo expressed frustration over the slow crackdown.

“Why is it taking so long? These sites should be blocked all at once,” Tulfo said, underscoring reports of illegal gambling operations continuing despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to shut down POGOs by December 31, 2024.

PAGCOR acknowledged receiving over 20 complaints from concerned citizens about POGO sites still in operation, with some reports confirming physical locations still running.

With Tulfo leading the call for stricter oversight, the pressure is mounting on PAGCOR to reassess its regulatory approach and ensure that PIGOs do not exacerbate social issues in the country. He warned that without urgent action, gambling addiction among Filipinos could spiral out of control, leading to dire consequences for society.

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