PAGCOR, the gaming regulator of the Philippines, announced that the gross gaming revenue (GGR) of the country experienced a slight decline in Q3 2025, reaching approximately...
Philippines president declines permanent POGO ban law
After deciding to ban all POGO operations, the president of the Republic of the Philippines decided not to support the transformation of the ban into a permanent law.
This news comes as a response to rising concerns over issues such as crime, gambling addiction, and money laundering that have been linked to offshore gaming activities. While the ban effectively stops these operations, it doesn’t have the strength of law.
President Marcos first announced the POGO ban earlier this year, in July. Some lawmakers and community leaders think that there should be a more definitive approach. Legislation would make a long-term measure that would require extensive debate and approval to overturn in the future.
However, President Marcos decided not to pursue this step. By using a simple ban, concerns can be immediately addressed without any permanent law, which will have broader economic and legal implications. This approach allows Marcos to respond to public pressure but without fully locking the Philippines’ doors to offshore gaming operations.
This keeps the industry open for future administrations to revisit the decision, depending on the changing political and economic landscape. For now, offshore gaming operators are required to cease operations, but without a law, the ban’s future remains uncertain.
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.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced a huge increase of 49% in net income for the first three quarters of 2025, amounting in $243 million.
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