#Philippines POGO

Marcos announced a total ban of POGOs (IGLs) in the Philippines. Here's what you need to know about this new development: POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) have long been in operation in the Philippines, going as far back as 2003. The EO, entitled “Strengthening the Fight against Illegal Gambling and Clarifying the Jurisdiction and Authority of Concerned Agencies in the Regulation and Licensing of Gambling and Online Gaming Facilities, and for Other Purposes”, allowed the operations of the POGOs outside of the export processing zones (PEZA, etc). This eventually resulting in boom in real estate as POGO hubs mushroomed around Metro Manila and neighboring provinces like Tarlac (Bamban POGO Hub), Pampanga (Porac POGO Hub) and Cavite (Island Cove POGO Hub in Kawit). By July 2023, PAGCOR canceled all POGO licenses and required all operators to register under a new name called IGL (Internet Gaming Licensee). The ban on POGO is equivalent to a ban on IGL (as they are one and the same). PEZA and other export processing zones will likewise move to discontinue any POGO operations within their respective sites. Yesterday, Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Al Tansingco said foreign nationals who worked with POGOs and IGLs, as well as its related service providers will be given 59 days to wind down their affairs and leave the country. Read more in our articles including "Total Ban on POGO/IGL: What you need to know" and "BPI partners with Robinsons Retail for barcode cash deposits in stores".