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Philippine Senate officially bans offshore gaming operations
With 23 votes in favor and 0 against, the Philippine Senate has officially passed the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 (Senate Bill No. 2868), permanently banning offshore gaming operations in the country.
First introduced back in July 2024, the POGO ban has come a long way before becoming federal law. In December 2024, the Philippine government received criticism from lawyers who claimed that the POGO ban must be more than just a ban by becoming a law.
Now, after being passed on June 9, 2025, this law repeals the previous one, known as Republic Act 11590, and makes it illegal for anyone to operate or offer offshore gaming in the Philippines. This means running gaming sites, accepting bets, and providing gaming content or services will be strictly banned. Moreover, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and other agencies can no longer license or allow offshore gaming.
The Philippines’ monitoring of the gambling market is mainly driven by troubling reports from 2024, which signaled human trafficking and abuse linked to POGO operations, especially in regions like Tarlac and Pampanga.
In case of non-compliance with the law, violators may face serious issues, including prison sentences from six to twelve years and fines up to PHP 50 million ($896,000). Foreign violators will be deported after serving their sentences.
The law also requires that all currently operating illegal POGO facilities must be destroyed.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in the Philippines?
Gambling is legal in the Philippines and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and other local authorities.
What is the legal gambling age in the Philippines?
The legal gambling age in the Philippines is 21 years old for casino gambling and 18 years old for lotteries and other forms of betting.
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