In a significant move to regulate the online gambling landscape, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is set to initiate a major shift. Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR's Chairman and CEO, announced during a Senate Hearing of the Committee on Games and Amusement that an executive order expected to be signed in September will mark the beginning of the end for existing Internet Gaming Licenses (IGLs), formerly known as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), starting October.
Key Takeaways:
The distinction between illegal POGOs and legitimate IGLs is crucial, as the former have been implicated in a range of unlawful activities, including human trafficking and money laundering. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to clean up the industry and address public concerns.
In a related development, the arrest of Alice Guo, dubbed the "POGO Mayor," in Jakarta, Indonesia, has shed light on the dark underbelly of illegal offshore gaming operations. Guo, who fled the Philippines amid investigations, was apprehended in Tangerang City. Her arrest by the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) is a testament to the government's resolve in combating illegal gambling and its associated crimes.
Guo and 35 others face multiple counts of money laundering, connected to companies like BAOFU Land Development Inc. and Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc., which are under scrutiny for suspected involvement in human trafficking and cryptocurrency scams. The situation reached a tipping point with the raid of a facility in Bamban, where over 800 workers of various nationalities reported being forced into labor.
The Philippine Senate, led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, has been proactive in investigating these allegations, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory reform in the POGO industry. Guo's evasion of Senate hearings, citing threats to her life and mental health issues, and the subsequent deactivation of her social media account, have only added to the intrigue and urgency of these investigations.
Public sentiment against POGOs has grown, fueled by concerns over their societal and economic impact. The forthcoming executive order is seen as a critical step towards redefining the Philippine gaming sector, aiming to eliminate illegal activities and restore integrity to online gambling operations.
This development represents a turning point in the Philippine government's approach to regulating online gambling, signaling a commitment to addressing the challenges head-on and paving the way for a more regulated and responsible gaming environment.
