The Philippines has officially banned all offshore gaming operations following the enactment of Republic Act 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025.
Signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the new law permanently prohibits the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry after years of scandals involving organized crime, money laundering, and human trafficking.
The legislation nullifies all active POGO licenses, work permits, and visas, while forbidding any future approvals or renewals. Offshore gaming is now classified as “unlawful” under the country’s Anti-Money Laundering Act, empowering authorities to prosecute financial and criminal offenses linked to the industry.
Although signed on October 23, the law was made public only this week. Those found engaging in or facilitating POGO-related operations will face severe penalties, including imprisonment and escalating fines for repeat violations. The Department of Labor and Employment has been tasked with assisting affected Filipino workers through retraining and reemployment initiatives.
The Anti-POGO Act solidifies President Marcos’ November 2024 executive directive ordering the sector’s closure, which cited rampant fraud, cybercrime, and exploitation of both local and foreign workers. Once a booming industry that attracted foreign investment, POGOs had increasingly been associated with lax regulation and criminal infiltration. A steep tax hike in 2021 had already disrupted their operations.
By transforming last year’s executive order into permanent legislation, Republic Act 12312 ensures that no future administration can revive the POGO model. It also revokes PAGCOR’s authority to issue and tax offshore gaming licenses, marking a significant policy shift toward crime prevention and regulatory integrity.
Government officials stressed that the ban aims to restore public order and rebuild the nation’s global reputation, damaged by repeated scandals linked to POGOs. With this move, the Philippines closes a contentious era in its gaming sector, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, financial security, and public safety.
