President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, officially banning all offshore gaming operations in the Philippines.
Republic Act No. 12312, enacted on October 23, repeals the previous law that taxed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs)—entities long linked to serious crimes including financial fraud, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and murder.
The new law prohibits any individual or entity from conducting, offering, or facilitating offshore gaming activities within the country.
It criminalizes the establishment, operation, or promotion of offshore gaming, as well as the acceptance of bets related to such operations.
Also banned are the roles of POGO content and service providers, the creation or operation of POGO hubs, and the use or possession of POGO-related gaming equipment.
The law further penalizes those who aid, protect, or abet POGO activities, including the registration of companies used to conceal illegal gaming operations.
The law also implements the revocation of POGO licenses issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), special economic zone authorities, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, freepost authorities, and other government agencies.
“They shall immediately wind down their operations not late than the effectivity of this Act,” the law stated.
Under the Anti-POGO Act, an Administration Oversight Committee shall be created to oversee the effective implementation of the law.
All POGO buildings, structures, facilities, materials, POGO gaming equipment, and POGO gaming paraphernalia used directly or indirectly in violation of the Act shall be forfeited in favor of the government and may be disposed of in accordance with existing laws. (Betheena Unite)
