Online gaming firms reportedly “harassed” in the Philippines

Thursday 18th of December 2014

Manila Times columnist Erwin Tulfo wrote that he has heard “through the grapevine” that dozens of foreign investors have pulled out of the country’s online gaming industry following police harassment.

“Rumor has it, within the business community, that some units of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), including the Bureau of Immigration (BI), have been milking millions every month from several service providers of online gaming based in China and South Korea,” he wrote.

Authorities are allegedly securing search warrants from a judge to carry out a raid on a business process outsourcing office, claiming a violation of laws.

“Most of those raided by the authorities are legitimate with proper business licenses and permits,” he wrote.

He urged the government to look into the allegations before the investors left the country for good.

William Hill was recently forced to suspend its operations in Manila following an investigation by the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation into allegations that it’s carrying out illegal gambling activities.

The Manila operation provides customer support and back office functions, primarily for the group's online business.

"With regards to these allegations, we believe that there are no activities occurring in our Philippines operation which are contrary to law," it said in a statement at the time.