The online gaming landscape is facing a tumultuous period as two major countries, the Philippines and Japan, take steps to regulate the industry. In the Philippines, a month has passed since the President’s announcement to ban Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), but the path forward remains unclear. The ban took immediate effect, but the specifics of its implementation are still ambiguous, leaving many operators uncertain about their future.
According to gaming law expert Tonet Quiogue, a formal legal framework is required to implement the ban, which means a bill must be introduced in Congress and go through the standard legislative process. As a result, many operators are continuing to operate while awaiting further guidance from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Some may seek licenses from the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) or consider shifting to underground activities.
Meanwhile, in Japan, the National Police Agency has launched an investigation into offshore online casinos that have gained popularity among younger people in the country. The investigation aims to regulate access to these sites and address issues related to addiction, as many Japanese users have fallen into debt and gotten involved in illegal part-time jobs.
The investigation will focus on online casino operators targeting Japanese users, including their locations, money transfer methods, and the volume of visits from Japan. Additionally, the agency will survey over 7,000 people across various age groups in Japan to produce a report on online casino usage by the end of the fiscal year.
This move comes as Japan is set to open its first land-based casino, MGM Osaka, as early as 2030. The investigation aims to curb the growing problem of online gambling in Japan and protect its citizens from potential financial harm.
As the Offshore gaming landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that both countries are taking steps to address concerns around online gambling. While the path forward for POGOs in the Philippines remains unclear, Japan’s investigation aims to provide a clearer regulatory framework for online gaming.
Source: AGB
