Manila City Imposes Ban on Offshore POGO and Online Gambling in the Philippines

Isha000

Valenzuela City, one of the 16 cities in Greater Manila with a population exceeding 600,000, has issued a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). The city government's ban also extends to other forms of online gambling. The ban was announced by Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian during a press conference amid the latest developments in the Philippines government's crackdown on the online gambling industry.

Additionally, the ban covers other forms of online gambling, including town lottery, online cockfighting, and online bingo. It's worth noting that Valenzuela City currently does not have any Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), and the ban is considered a precautionary measure. Recently, the Philippine police conducted a raid on a POGO center in the country, resulting in the rescue of 1,284 foreigners and 1,534 Filipinos. The POGO center was suspected of involvement in human trafficking and cryptocurrency fraud. Four Chinese fugitives are set to be deported this week.

Last year, Pasig City, another city in the Greater Manila area, implemented a ban on all POGO and online gambling operations in the city, including the technology services supporting the ban. All domestic betting operations must vacate the city by the end of 2023. National government officials have also supported these recent moves against POGOs, with the Finance Secretary stating that the industry's revenue is not worth retaining.

Senators have urged the Marcos administration to enforce an absolute ban, with one senator noting that online DB operators have evaded paying "billions in unpaid taxes." Similarly, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated in January that the POGO industry is not worth the social costs, but he added that the issue lies with illegal POGOs, not legal ones.

The President said, "This is not a major component of our economy. If it is determined that there are social costs, it may not be worth it. The costs may no longer justify the taxes they pay." Marcos stated in January, "The issue is with the illegal ones, not the legal ones. Legal ones will pay the bills and taxes."

Jafar224

Did it take the casino's money? This country doesn't have a ban on gambling.

Kalkin995

Offshore gambling is also considered illegal.

Pooja77

The Philippines keeps causing trouble; this constant turmoil is getting tiresome.