The Philippine gambling sector faces a significant shift as the Senate takes decisive action against offshore gaming operations.
Key Takeaways:
- Senate Bill 2868, the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, passes final reading
- Legislation bans all offshore gaming operations and forfeits related assets
- Bill author Senator Win Gatchalian cites public demand as driving force
Senate Approves Landmark Anti-POGO Legislation
In a move that could reshape the Philippine gambling landscape, the Senate has passed Senate Bill 2868, known as the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, on its third and final reading. This legislation aims to permanently ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and marks a crucial step in the country’s regulatory approach to online gambling.
Senator Win Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and authored the bill, welcomed its approval. He framed the legislation as a response to public concerns, stating, ‘The measure not only bans offshore gaming operations but also builds safeguards for our people.’
Key Provisions and Implications
The Anti-POGO Act of 2025, if enacted, will repeal Republic Act 11590, which had previously legitimized POGO operations in the Philippines. This reversal reflects changing attitudes towards offshore gaming in the country.
A notable aspect of the bill is its mandate for the forfeiture of all POGO-related properties and equipment. This provision aims to prevent these assets from being repurposed for future illegal operations, demonstrating the government’s commitment to a comprehensive crackdown on offshore gaming.
Legislative Priority and Industry Impact
The bill’s passage comes at a critical time, as it is listed among the priority legislation that the government seeks to enact before the current congressional session ends this month. This urgency underscores the importance placed on regulating the gambling sector.
Interestingly, while the POGO sector faces potential elimination, other segments of the Philippine gaming industry continue to thrive. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reported a 25% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue in 2024, driven primarily by growth in E-Games and E-Bingo activities.
Looking Ahead
As the Anti-POGO Act moves closer to potentially becoming law, stakeholders in the Philippine gambling industry are likely to be watching closely. The legislation’s impact could extend beyond offshore operators, potentially reshaping the broader gaming landscape in the country.
The Senate’s decisive action against POGOs, coupled with the growth in other gaming sectors, suggests a shifting focus in Philippine gambling regulation. As the situation develops, industry observers will be keen to see how these changes affect both local and international gaming operations in the region.
