Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: PAGCOR puts all POGOs under review

Friday 14th of July 2023

Good Morning. The Philippine regulator is taking a proactive stance towards oversight of offshore operators (POGOs), placing them all under review as it aims to maintain the integrity of the market. The move, however, is not deterring the nation from moving forward with its online aspirations, as online gaming booms in the country. Also in the Philippines, the regulator is working on a review of all of its facilities within its self-run properties, as it prepares for the sell-off of the Casino Filipino venues.

ASEAN Gaming Summit, asia gaming ebrief, Philippines

What you need to know

PAGCOR has released a new framework for POGOs, requiring firms to reapply for a license, as it places all current holders under review.
PAGCOR plans a comprehensive review of over 3,000 gaming machines at its self-run properties as it prepares for privatization.

On the radar

Lawrence Ho’s SPAC delays merger with Vietnamese e-vehicle company.
Okada Manila sees strong surge in 2Q23, with GGR up 36 percent.
PAGCOR chair: Japan and Thailand not yet threats to the Philippines.

AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

PAGCOR puts all POGOs under review

Philippine gaming regulator PAGCOR has announced that it's placing all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) under review as it aims to maintain the integrity of the operations. The group notes that the move is to "weed out the unscrupulous companies", amongst a spate of human trafficking and scam worries uncovered in recent raids on POGO operations. Calls in the nation for the total shutdown of POGOs continue, even as PAGCOR lauds the benefits of employment that the industry provides.