POGO Shutdown in the Philippines: A New Era for Digital Gambling
Philippine Authorities Aim to Shut Down Persisting Online Gaming Operators in Clampdown
By: Lucas Dunn12/06/2024 02:41 World Photo by Rawpixel, CC0 1.0
Despite the November 2024 ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), a staggering 47 of these entities remain operational in the Philippines. In an effort to bring POGO operations to a halt, official planning includes a gradual slowdown of operations starting December 15th and a complete cessation by December 31st. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is poised to release a memorandum circular to enforce POGO closure, strengthening efforts to address regulatory and law enforcement concerns.
A closer look reveals that the ban on POGOs following their involvement in illegal activities such as human trafficking and cybercrime, was a step towards international recognition for the Philippine gambling industry. The country's reappearance on the Liste Noir (FATF grey list) had been largely attributed to the proliferation of these offshore operators. However, the government's stance maintains a clear focus on the growth of regulated local iGaming and digital gaming platforms, rather than permitting offshore POGOs.
As the demand for licensed digital gambling sites surges post-POGO shutdown, these platforms are becoming primary revenue drivers in the Philippine gaming industry. This shift towards safer and more regulated digital gambling options reflects the evolution of consumer behavior. The government has made it clear that it stands firm against a repeat of offshore POGO operations, instead promoting alternative visa options like digital nomad visas.
Lucas Dunn, a New Jersey-born and raised copywriter, brings over six years of professional writing experience in casino, software provider, and game reviews, news, and blogs. While Lucas pursued a bachelor's degree in psychology at Rutgers University, he discovered his passion for painting and now leverages both his writing talent and artistic skills full-time.
Articles by Lucas Dunn
- POGO Ban and the Philippines' Shift to Digital Gambling
- iGaming and Digital Gaming Platforms: The Future of the Philippine Gaming Industry
Related News on POGO Shutdown
- Philippine Government Cracks Down on POGOs
- Philippines Removed from FATF Grey List after POGO Ban
- Palace Stands Firm Against POGO Reintroduction
- Digital Nomad Visas: The Future for Foreign Workers in the Philippines
In the wake of the POGO shutdown, the Philippines is moving towards a more regulated digital gambling industry, as evidenced by the surging demand for licensed digital gambling sites. The government's policy-and-legislation targeting POGOs, due to their involvement in illegal activities, aligns with politics focused on improving the general-news landscape of the gaming industry, and potentially includes free spins promotions on licensed platforms to attract customers.
