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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has banned offshore gambling operations in the Philippines that target gamblers overseas, including those from China. This decision aims to address crimes linked to the industry.
Marcos directed the gaming regulator to wind down and cease these operations by the end of the year. “The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop,” he stated.
These firms have engaged in illegal activities such as financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and even murder. The President highlighted these issues in his State of the Nation address.
Philippine offshore gambling operators (POGOs) began in 2016, with companies setting up in the Philippines to target markets abroad, including China, where gambling is prohibited.
The head of the gaming regulator has not yet commented on the directive.
As of the end of 2023, the POGO industry employed around 25,000 Filipinos and nearly 23,000 foreigners, according to government data.