Philippines Court Dismisses Challenges to PAGCOR’s POGO Regulations

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has recently rejected petitions challenging the jurisdiction of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to enforce regulatory measures on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). These petitions contested the legality of measures outlining the licensing, accreditation, and registration process for offshore gaming operators, agents, and related service providers.

According to a local media outlet, the Supreme Court dismissed consolidated petitions from various groups and individuals, citing technical grounds. The petitioners, including the Union for National Development and Good Governance Philippines (Unilad), the Anti-Trapo Movement of the Philippines Inc., and lawyer Jovencio Evangelista, failed to adequately justify the importance of the raised issues for the court’s consideration. Furthermore, they did not demonstrate any direct or personal stake in the enforcement of the regulatory framework for POGOs.

PAGCOR had implemented a revised regulatory framework for offshore gaming in August of the previous year, rebranding POGOs as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs). Despite the legal challenges, the court upheld PAGCOR’s authority to regulate online and offshore gaming operations.

In a related development, the Embassy of China emphasized that “gambling in any form is illegal according to Chinese law.” The Chinese government opposes and cracks down on Chinese nationals engaging in gambling businesses abroad in accordance with the law.

Additionally, Alice Guo, known as the “POGO Mayor,” faces new charges related to facilitating illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) hubs. The nation’s Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is expected to bring further charges against her.

These developments highlight the ongoing efforts by both the Philippines and China to address the challenges posed by POGOs and their impact on the region’s regulatory landscape.