President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 74, released on Friday, which expands the government’s crackdown on offshore gaming operations. The new order mandates a comprehensive ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and all internet gaming licenses, covering not just illegal operations but also the suspension of new license applications, renewals, and the cessation of current gaming activities.
The move comes in response to growing concerns over the social and economic impact of POGOs, including issues related to criminal activity, labor exploitation, and the strain on public services. The government has faced mounting calls to address the negative effects of offshore gaming operations that have proliferated over the past few years.
Executive Order No. 74 effectively halts the issuance and renewal of licenses for POGOs and internet gaming operators, signaling the government’s commitment to reducing the influence of illegal gambling activities. It also orders the immediate closure of any unlicensed gaming operations in the country.
While the ban applies to illegal offshore gaming, it also sets stricter regulations for the licensing of gaming operations to ensure greater oversight and accountability in the industry. Authorities have pledged to intensify enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with the new order.
The executive order is seen as part of President Marcos’s broader push for reforms aimed at promoting a safer and more transparent gaming environment in the country. The move is expected to have significant implications for the gaming sector, particularly in terms of its economic and regulatory landscape.
