The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) denied the license renewal application of offshore gaming operator Lucky South 99 on May 22, 2024, at the height of investigations into the Bamban POGO and then-mayor Alice Guo1. Pagcor cited "concerns" related to the Bamban case in its decision1.
The operator's license for the Thai Royal Court site in Porac, Pampanga had expired in October 2023, and Katherine Cassandra Ong attempted to renew it through a separate application1. In explaining the denial to Lucky South, Pagcor's Offshore Gaming License Department said: "During the Senate hearing…it was found that numerous companies including Lucky South are involved in illegal operations in Zun Yuan Technology Inc.'s premises in Baofu compound, Bamban Tarlac"1.
"On May 22, 2024, at the height of investigations into the Bamban POGO and Mayor Alice Guo, Pagcor denied Lucky South 99's application citing "concerns" related to the Bamban case."
Lucky South 99's history in the Philippines stretches back to 2019. The Lucky South 99 building, located in the Thai Royal Court of the Grand Palazzo Royale compound, was set up in July 20191. Whirlwind Corporation moved to the Thai Court compound and was incorporated with an initial capital of P312.5 million, with five investors putting in P62.5 million each1:
- Josefina Balisacan, Filipino1
- Stephanie Balisacan Mascarenas, Filipino1
- Raymond Calleon Co, Filipino1
- Randel Calleon Co, Filipino1
- Duanren Wu, Chinese national1
In September 2019, Lucky South 99 Outsourcing Inc. registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission with a paid-up capital of P15 million1. Its Letter of No Objection was granted in November 2019 after being signed and approved by Porac City Mayor Jaime Capil1.
In 2020, Lucky South secured offshore gaming licenses to operate in two locations in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte1. The company voluntarily canceled its Laoag licenses on March 22, 20231. By 2022, its board of directors had been replaced, with Singaporean Zhang Jie becoming president with 40% shares1. The compound was initially estimated at 10 hectares, though authorities have not been allowed to reach some restricted areas1. The previously raided Baofu compound in Bamban, Tarlac is seven hectares, and the Grand Palazzo Royale is "thrice as big," according to PAOCC chief Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz1.
What it means for players
The denial means Lucky South 99 no longer holds a valid Pagcor license for its Porac site, and the operator's Laoag licenses were already canceled in March 20231. For anyone checking whether an operator is licensed, the case shows that a lapsed or denied license can remain tied to an active-looking compound. Players in the Philippines can verify a PAGCOR gaming license through the regulator's official channels, and the same checks apply to offshore operators claiming Philippine registration. The Bamban case referenced in Pagcor's denial involved Zun Yuan Technology Inc. at the Baofu compound, and Pagcor said numerous companies including Lucky South were found to be involved in illegal operations there1.
What happens next
The search warrant application for Lucky South 99 was granted by Judge Belinda Rama of Malolos on June 4, 2024, but was later retracted after the CIDG reported that occupants had fled en masse, and the application was ultimately denied1. PAOCC has said it seeks forfeiture of assets based on violations such as trafficking and torture after every raid1. The Supreme Court said it will probe allegations that POGOs may have infiltrated law enforcement and the judiciary, following comments by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian1.
