Licensed POGOs Agree to Shut Down by End of Year

The Philippine government has made significant progress in its efforts to crack down on online gaming operators, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) announcing that the 41 licensed offshore online gaming operators will shut down their operations by the end of the year. The decision was made during a meeting of the “Task Force POGO Closure”, which involves various government agencies.

The government has set a deadline for foreign workers employed by offshore gaming operators to voluntarily repatriate by October 15, after which they will have to leave the country or face involuntary repatriation. The task force aims to establish a clear and streamlined process for implementing the policy directive and ensuring the welfare of affected workers.

Meanwhile, Senators Mark Villar and Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian have assured employees of Special Class Business Process Outsourcing (SCBPOs) that their jobs will not be affected by the impending ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). SCBPOs employ over 4,900 Filipino workers and 137 foreign nationals, and operate under different guidelines that do not involve betting activities.

The Senators emphasized the need for a holistic approach to effectively implement the President’s directive, including targeting illegal POGO hubs and improving coordination between the Bureau of Internal Revenue and PAGCOR to address discrepancies in gross gaming revenue reports. Gatchalian also flagged discrepancies between the number of alien employment certificates issued by the Bureau of Immigration and work permits issued by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The government’s crackdown on online gaming is expected to have significant economic implications, with many workers set to lose their jobs. However, the government’s efforts to ensure the welfare of affected workers and prevent illegal activities are seen as a positive step towards regulating the industry.