President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, officially banning Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country.
Signed on October 23, the law repeals RA No. 11590, which had previously imposed taxes on offshore gaming firms linked to various illegal activities, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and online scams.
“To this end, offshore gaming operations in the Philippines are hereby banned and declared unlawful,” the law read.
Under the law, all forms of offshore gaming are prohibited, including operating, providing services to, or accepting bets for POGO activities.
The ban also covers the establishment of POGO hubs or sites and the use or possession of gaming equipment and paraphernalia.
The law further penalizes anyone aiding or concealing such operations, including those registering companies concealing POGO hubs, issuing fake documents, leasing properties or vehicles for illegal gaming use, or facilitating the movement of individuals involved in these prohibited activities.
In November 2024, the president issued Executive Order No. 74 prohibiting Philippine Offshore Gaming, internet gaming, and other offshore gaming operations in the country.
Under Section 2, No. 13 of the Executive Order, all POGOs and other offshore gaming operators without the proper license, permit, or authorization from government authorities are deemed illegal gambling entities and subject to the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal gambling.
The order also prohibits the issuing of new licenses or permits for POGO and offshore gaming applicants, stating that existing licenses, permits, or authorizations will no longer be renewed or extended.
