President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially outlawed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) following the signing of Republic Act No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025. The new law, enacted on October 23, permanently bans offshore gaming operations and betting activities across the country.
RA 12312 repeals Republic Act 11590, which had previously legalized POGOs. According to the measure, the government’s primary duty is to protect public welfare and maintain peace and order. It further states that “offshore gaming operations in the Philippines are hereby banned and declared unlawful.”
RELATED: [Gambling Addiction A Public Health Issue, Says DOH Secretary]
Government Orders Full Shutdown and License Revocation
The law prohibits the establishment, operation, or conduct of any offshore gaming activity, as well as the acceptance of bets for such operations. It also directs the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to audit existing operators to determine any outstanding tax obligations despite the revocation of their licenses.
“All POGOs, POGO gaming content providers, POGO accredited service providers, and POGO local gaming agents whose licenses have been revoked under this act shall continue to be liable for all taxes, duties, regulatory fees and all other charges up to the last day of their operations,” the law stated.
The measure further strips the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), as well as special economic zones and other agencies, of the authority to issue permits for POGO operations. It also invalidates all Alien Employment Permits, visas, and work passes issued to foreign POGO workers.
Workers to Get Transition Support
To cushion the impact on Filipino employees affected by the ban, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been ordered to create transition programs to help them find new opportunities. The Bureau of Immigration will also ensure the deportation of foreign nationals whose work permits are revoked under the new law.
The Anti-POGO Act establishes an Administrative Oversight Committee (AOC) led by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission to oversee implementation and monitor the investigation of related crimes. Violators face penalties ranging from eight to twelve years of imprisonment and fines between P15 million and P50 million, depending on the number of offenses.
Senators, Lawmakers Welcome the Ban
Senator Risa Hontiveros praised the enactment of the measure, calling it a long-awaited correction to past policy. “I am overjoyed about the Anti-POGO Act’s passage into law,” she said. “At last, the mistakes of the previous administration in allowing the entry of the POGO industry in the country will now be corrected.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Leila de Lima described the ban as a necessary step to end criminal activities linked to offshore gaming. “These POGOs have brought so much harm, from crimes, corruption, abuse and threats to our national security, yet the previous administration still indulged and protected them,” de Lima said.
RA 12312 will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, formally ending the operation of POGOs in the Philippines.
RELATED: [‘Phones Are Not Casinos’: Hontiveros Pushes ‘Kontra E-Sugal Act’]
