The Chinese Embassy in Manila called on the Philippines to take strong measures against crimes related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), saying all gambling is illegal for Chinese nationals and that the two countries should work together on enforcement and repatriation1. The statement was reported on October 11, 20231.
The embassy said law enforcement cooperation between the two countries had already led to the shutdown of three POGO parks and the repatriation of about 400 Chinese nationals1. It said agencies on both sides were satisfied with the results1.
The embassy also said some illegal offshore gaming employees had abused Philippine judicial procedures by fabricating cases in the Philippines to avoid being sent home1. It said crimes linked to online gambling harm China's interests, China-Philippines relations and the interests of the Philippines1.
"China calls on the Philippines to take strong measures to crack down on crimes related to POGOs and root out the social ills in a sweeping manner"
The embassy said it would keep strengthening communication and cooperation with the Philippine government and law enforcement agencies, and jointly handle repatriation and other related issues1. It reiterated that all forms of gambling, online or overseas, are illegal for Chinese nationals1.
What it means for players
For Chinese nationals, the position restated here is unchanged: gambling online or overseas is illegal under Chinese law, and the embassy repeats that in this statement1. The Philippines hosts a large offshore gaming industry, described in our guide to the Philippines' ban on offshore gaming (POGOs), and Chinese nationals working or playing in that sector face both Philippine enforcement and Chinese repatriation pressure.
The embassy's claim that some workers fabricated cases to avoid repatriation points to a practical risk: people inside or around POGO operations can end up in legal proceedings in the Philippines, not only in China1. Our guide to gambling scams in the Philippines and the wider guide to gambling scams and safety in Asia cover how scam compounds and illegal operations are structured and how to report them.
For locals, expats and visitors who gamble legally in the Philippines, the statement concerns Chinese nationals and illegal offshore operations, not licensed domestic gambling. General licensing and legality questions are covered in can I gamble in the Philippines?, and the rules for Chinese nationals are set out in can I gamble in China?.
What happens next
The embassy said it will continue communication and cooperation with the Philippine government and law enforcement agencies and jointly handle repatriation and related issues1. No further dates, targets or specific measures were announced in the statement, and no timeline for additional POGO park closures or repatriations has been reported1.
