Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Incorporated, an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga, was ordered shut down in September 2022 following a raid led by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos in which more than 40 Chinese were reportedly kidnapped1. The order came after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) cited negative reports linking the establishment to alleged illegal activities in 2022 and its association with Zun Yuan1.
The site is a 10-hectare property known as Thai Court in Sitio Pulung Maba, Barangay Sta. Cruz1. PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said Lucky South 99 is so far the worst and most prolific among online gaming operators in terms of kidnapping, harassment, torture, and other crimes1.
PAGCOR denied Lucky South 99's application for an Internet Gaming License in a letter dated May 22, two months after the raid at the Baofu compound in Bamban, Tarlac1. The letter was issued to its authorized representative Katherine Cassandra L. Ong1. Porac Mayor Jaime Capil said Lucky South 99 did not receive a mayor's permit renewal from his office in 2024, and it is listed on the Bureau of Fire Protection's "negative list" due to its failure to comply with mandatory requirements1. Despite this, 40 buildings in the complex were issued corresponding building permits1. A letter of no objection was issued by the Sangguniang Bayan of Porac to Lucky South 99 through its representative Ong on November 5, 20191.
"In September 2022, Lucky South 99 was ordered shut down following the raid led by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos where more than 40 Chinese were reportedly kidnapped."
What it means for players
The shutdown order and the later license denial mean Lucky South 99 was not a licensed operator at the time of the 2024 search operations1. PAGCOR has identified alien crime syndicates, not the legitimate and licensed POGOs, as a significant national security threat, with chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco saying alien hacking and scam syndicates pose a real threat1. Reports of human trafficking, torture, and illegal detention have surfaced at several raided Internet Gaming Licensees, including Smart Web Technology Corporation in Pasay City and Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated in Bamban, Tarlac1. People who gamble in the Philippines, whether locals, expats or visitors, face the risk that unlicensed operations are linked to such crimes. The Gambling Scams and Safety in Asia guide covers how to check operators and report problems, and the Philippines guide sets out the licensing position there.
What happens next
The search operation at the Porac property will continue until all buildings have been combed through1. A total of 158 foreign nationals and 29 Filipinos have been rescued since Tuesday night, June 41. Casio said the suspected Chinese military uniforms found at the site will be validated with Chinese authorities1.
