The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said it will continue raids on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in January 2025, prioritizing POGOs hiding out in resorts, according to GMA News Online1. The announcement came on December 31, 2024, the deadline for foreign POGO workers to leave the country1.
The Bureau of Immigration said several big groups of foreigners who used to work at POGOs left ahead of the December 31 deadline1. BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said only a few thousand workers were believed to remain on the final day1. She said there are no more extensions, and anyone left in the country after the deadline will be blacklisted and deported1. Foreigners who worked in legal POGOs and left voluntarily may return if they have legitimate reasons, such as family in the Philippines, because they are not blacklisted1.
The PAOCC said small-scale POGOs were still operating despite the cancellation of all POGO licenses on December 151. Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz described how these operations hide:
"Minsan uupahan nila yung buong resort. O-offeran nila ng malaking amount yung may-ari at uupahan nila ng six months hanggang one year. 'Yan ang mga nasa priority list natin,"
The PAOCC also plans to look into areas where local officials reported suspicious activity. Cruz said officials in the North and Region 4A saw trucks carrying computers, equipment and cables, with operators claiming they would set up call centers but showing no permits1.
What it means for players
The Philippines banned offshore gaming operations for foreign customers, and the license cancellations and worker departures affect that industry rather than domestic gambling1. The raids target illegal POGO operations, including those renting entire resorts for six months to a year1. People in areas where such operations are suspected may see continued enforcement activity in January. The status of legal, regulated gambling for residents and visitors is not addressed in these reports; no changes to those rules have been reported here.
What happens next
The PAOCC said raids will continue in January, with resorts and areas flagged by local officials as priorities1. Foreign former POGO workers who remain past December 31 face blacklisting and deportation1. Those who left voluntarily may be allowed to return for legitimate reasons1.
For background on the industry ban, see The Philippines' Ban on Offshore Gaming (POGOs). For reporting channels and warning signs of illegal operations, see Gambling Scams and Safety in Asia. For the rules that apply to ordinary players, see Can I Gamble in the Philippines?.
