President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 74 on 5 November 2024, ordering an immediate ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) and other offshore gaming operations in the Philippines1. The order recites that the ban was first pronounced in the State of the Nation Address on 22 July 20241.
The order states that all POGOs, IGLs and other offshore gaming operations, along with related auxiliary and ancillary services holding licenses, permits or authorizations, "shall completely cease operations, including the winding up of their affairs, on 31 December 2024 or earlier"1. Applications for new licenses, permits or authorizations "shall no longer be allowed", and existing licenses "shall no longer be renewed or extended"1.
The order defines offshore gaming operations as online games of chance limited to livestreamed electronic casino games, online random number generator games and online sports betting, offered exclusively and directly to foreign players located outside the Philippines1. It excludes online games of chance conducted in PAGCOR-operated casinos, licensed casinos, or integrated resorts with junket agreements1.
Operators without the necessary license, permit or authorization are classified as illegal gambling entities under Section 2 of Executive Order No. 12 (s. 2017) and are covered by the ongoing crackdown on illegal gambling1. The order also states that no offshore gaming license shall be issued by the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, and that all such licenses it issued shall be transferred to, regulated and monitored by PAGCOR1.
The order cites a Department of Finance study finding that risks including increased crime rates, social instability and exploitation of vulnerable people "significantly outweigh the economic and social benefits derived from the POGO industry"1. It also cites an Anti-Money Laundering Council report identifying POGOs as susceptible to money laundering and fraud1.
"an unequivocal ban of POGO/IGL operations was pronounced during the State of the National Address on 22 July 2024"
Two technical working groups are convened. The TWG on Employment Recovery and Reintegration, chaired by PAGCOR with the Department of Labor and Employment as vice chairperson, is to address the economic impact and provide upskilling and reskilling programs for displaced Filipino workers1. The TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations, chaired by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission with the Department of Justice as vice chairperson, is to intensify the crackdown, investigate individuals involved in illegal activities, prosecute violators and, where appropriate, deport foreigners employed in the industry1.
| Body | Chairperson | Vice Chairperson |
|---|---|---|
| TWG on Employment Recovery and Reintegration | PAGCOR | Department of Labor and Employment |
| TWG on Anti-Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations | Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission | Department of Justice |
The order takes effect immediately after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation1. It was published in the Manila Bulletin on 9 November 2024 and in the Official Gazette, 120 OG No. 47, 135592.
What it means for players
The ban covers operations that serve foreign players from outside the Philippines, so it does not by itself change what is legal for players physically in the country. Online games of chance conducted in PAGCOR-operated casinos, licensed casinos, or integrated resorts with junket agreements are excluded from the definition of offshore gaming operations1. The order does not address the position of individual customers of banned operators, and no penalty for players is set out in the text. Anyone dealing with an operator that lacks a license, permit or authorization now falls under the classification of illegal gambling entities1. The order states that any person or entity who participates in, supports, finances, abets or aids illegal offshore gaming operations or services shall be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law2. For background on what remains legal, see Can I Gamble in the Philippines? and Gambling Laws in Asia: What Is Legal in 12 Jurisdictions.
What happens next
Licensed POGOs, IGLs and related services must wind up by 31 December 2024 or earlier1. The technical working groups are to submit monthly reports on implementation of the ban and final reports on the complete cessation and winding up of all offshore gaming operations on 31 December 20242. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission is to submit monthly reports on law enforcement operations and a final report when the order's objectives are accomplished1. PAGCOR and the Bureau of Internal Revenue are directed to expedite collection of applicable fees and taxes related to the offshore gaming industry1. Further detail on the ban is set out in The Philippines' Ban on Offshore Gaming (POGOs).
