Revised Article
Philippines' PAOCC aims to wipe out unlawful POGOs by year-end 2025, intending to enforce strict regulations and ensure compliance.
In the Heart of the Philippines' Gambling Crackdown: A Comprehensive Update
By: The Rogue Scribe (January 18, 2026) World Photo by The Blue Diamond Gallery, CC BY-SA 3.0
Main Points
- The anti-POGO efforts, led by the PAOCC, are steering toward a more targeted and regulated approach, with the ultimate aim to eliminate illegal gambling operations by 2026
- Following the crackdown last year, most current POGO activities have scaled down significantly
- Rescue missions persist as they unearth more underground gaming ventures
The Rogue Scribe hails from the East Coast, with roots embedded in New Jersey. With a career trajectory spanning over half a decade, his writing expertise lies in casino, software provider, and game reviews, news, and blogs. As a global freelancer, his clientele extends across the US, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. Before cutting his teeth in gambling content, he earned a psychology degree from Rutgers University. To assuage his creative thirst, he delved into the world of painting, a legacy left by his father. Currently, The Rogue Scribe balances both writing and painting to satisfy his eclectic artistic soul.
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Key Enhancements:- Multi-agency approach: Collaborative efforts between PAOCC, PNP, NBI, and DICT are strengthened to combat online gambling fraud- PAGCOR regulations: Tightened rules, including enhanced due diligence and licensing reductions, to address the issue of illegal gaming operations- Legislative Proposals: Senate Bills 2232 and 2038 propose a possible POGO ban, with SB 2038 advocating for an independent e-Gaming Authority- Ongoing challenges: Jurisdictional gray areas, resource limitations, and technological advancements like cryptocurrency-based wagering and AI-driven fraud require continuous updates to countermeasures- Increasing complexity: The privatization of PAGCOR's operational functions could further complicate enforcement coordination for the time being
As the drive against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) progresses into mid-2026, the focus shifts to a more concentrated strategy, evolving legal frameworks, and sustained policy debates:
- PAOCC's tailored operations: While specifics on the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC)'s strategies are somewhat unclear, it's believed that current enforcement efforts involve:
- Strategic rescues rather than large-scale operations, owing to the overcrowded detention centers noted in April 2024–25[4]
- Enhanced interagency cooperation among the PNP, NBI, and DICT to counter fraud in the online gambling industry[5]
- Necessitating regulatory changes:
- PAGCOR's tougher stipulations (Feb 2025 amendments) mandate enhanced due diligence for domestic IEGOs[2]
- Reductions in the number of offshore operators, from 71 to 36, as a result of 2024 reforms[5]
- Pending legislative proposals: Senate Bill 2232 champions a POGO ban, and SB 2038 advocates for an independent e-Gaming Authority[3][5]
- Persisting systemic challenges:
- Ambiguities in jurisdictional boundaries prevail despite Supreme Court rulings safeguarding labor protections for POGO employees[5]
- Budgetary constraints, such as the temporary suspension of certain crackdowns due to detention facility capacity concerns[4]
- Emerging threats like cryptocurrency-based wagering and AI-assisted scams necessitate updated responses[3]
The goal of eradicating illegal POGOs by 2026 might seem less assured, with the shift in focus moving from outright destruction to containment and refinement of compliance measures. The upcoming privatization of PAGCOR's operations (enacted in 2024) adds another layer of complexity to the enforcement landscape for the time being.
- Lucas, in his role as a copywriter, was commissioned to write articles about the crackdown on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the efforts of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) to regulate these operations.
- During his research, Lucas uncovered instances of free spins being offered on illegal gambling platforms, a practice which he found troubling and potentially illegal.
- In a general-news article published under the section "Crime and Justice," Lucas delved into the complexities surrounding the POGO industry, including the ongoing efforts to combat online gambling fraud, the tightened regulations imposed by PAGCOR, and the pending legislative proposals suggesting a possible ban on POGOs.
- Despite the challenges and Systemic challenges faced in the eradication of illegal POGOs, such as jurisdictional gray areas, budgetary constraints, and technological advancements, Lucas remained dedicated to shedding light on this issue and advocating for a more transparent and regulated online gaming landscape.
