Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr has signed into law an Act that officially bans and declares illegal all offshore gaming operations – commonly known as POGOs.
Almost 10 months since Marcos implemented a ban on POGOs from 1 January 2025, the new Republic Act (RA) 12312 repeals RA 11590 that previously legalized POGOs while also prohibiting the establishment, operation or conduct of offshore gaming in the Philippines; the acceptance of any form of betting for offshore gaming operations; acting as a POGO gaming content or service provider; the creation and operation of a POGO hub; and the introduction, use, or possession of POGO gaming equipment or paraphernalia, according to state-run Philippine News Agency.
It also orders the permanent cancellation of all licenses previously issued for POGO operations.
“The State recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy,” the law says. “The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
“To this end, offshore gaming operations in the Philippines are hereby banned and declared unlawful.”
As well as banning operations and revoking licenses, the Act also revokes the visas and work permits of foreign POGO workers and stipulates their deportation back to the country of their birth or citizenship. However, all outstanding taxes and fees remain payable with the Bureau of Internal Revenue directed to conduct any relevant audits.
The Act establishes a new organization, to be known as the Administrative Oversight Committee, to be chaired by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and tasked with ensuring the proper and effective implementation of the ban.
Anyone found guilty of breaching the ban faces imprisonment of up to eight years and a fine of up to Php15 million (US$255,275) for the first offense; up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Php30 million (US$510,550) for the second offense; and up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to Php50 million (US$850,920) for the third offense.
Should the offender be a public official or employee, the maximum possible penalty will be applied.
President Marcos had last November signed an Executive Order on the POGO issue, ordering that applications for new licenses, permits or authorizations under the nation’s POGO and Internet Gaming Licensee (IGL) schemes would no longer be allowed; that all existing licenses, permits or authorizations would no longer be renewed or extended; and that all existing offshore gaming operations and their auxiliary services would completely cease operations on or before 31 December 2024.
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