Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: POGO-related crimes rise four-fold in 2022

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

Good morning. The Philippines continues its struggle over whether to keep POGOs, as data show that offshore gaming-related crime rose four-fold in 2022, prompting further pushes to ban the industry. Meanwhile, in Australia, regulatory issues have become a political spat as the NSW pokie club reform pits the Premier against the ClubsNSW president, with the association firing the president over his remarks.

What you need to know

POGO-related crime in the Philippines rises four-fold in 2022 compared to 2019, with officials poised to pull the plug on the industry.
Pokie club reform in Australia's New South Wales prompts political drama, as the head of ClubsNSW is forced to resign over his statements.

On the radar

COVID restrictions cause major drop in Macau gaming-related crime.
Former Macau The 13 operator to delist from the HK Stock Exchange.
Mohegan: Ferris wheel to crown out NY casino near UN headquarters.
Donaco sees 4Q22 EBITDA increase, hopes placed on China reopening.

AGB Intelligence

POGOs

POGO, Online-Gaming, Philippines, asia gaming ebrief

POGO-related crime rises four-fold in 2022

The Philippines is at a crossroads over its POGO industry, as data show that POGO-related crime rose four-fold in 2022, compared to 2019. While PAGCOR still defends the need for the industry, multiple voices are calling for it to be shut down, with the economy to suffer the consequences of losing over 20,000 jobs. However, crime related to the offshore gambling industry has prompted strong local pushback, with issues such as kidnapping and ransom causing public uproar.