Showing results for: ""
The Philippine government has cracked down on illegal POGOs in recent years, even shutting down some operations. However, some licensed operators still exist. In July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced a ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operators, which was due to take effect in December 2024. PAGCOR’s Stance on POGOs Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are online casinos catering primarily to foreign players from China. These companies operate legally under licenses issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Still, they are controversial due to concerns over money laundering, cyber fraud, human trafficking, kidnapping, and tax evasion. PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive, Alejandro Tengco defended legitimate POGOs, stating that scam syndicates and alien hacking were more of a threat to national security. He pointed out that POGOs licensed by the regulator contributed over $85 million to PAGCOR’s 2023 gross revenue. Executive Order 74 Bans POGOs Citing National Security In November 2024, President Marcos signed Executive Order 74, effectively banning all offshore gambling operations in the Philippines. The order mandates an immediate cessation of all activities, which have long drawn public scrutiny over their links to crime, social issues and alleged exploitation. The order directly targets licensed casino operators and illegal offshore casino companies. The administration cites concerns regarding national security, public order, and the protection of vulnerable populations as the primary drivers. According to the Department of Finance (DOF), the risks and negative impacts of POGOs, including rising crime rates and social instability, outweighed the industry’s contribution to the economy. Law Enforcement Strengthened to Enforce the Ban Several government agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Immigration (NBI), and the Anti-Money Laundering Council, support the ban on POGOs. The Executive Order also received widespread support in the country’s Senate, with lawmakers expressing relief that the President had taken decisive action. Senators indicated that EO 74 was a firm foundation for proposed legislation, making the policy permanent. Bills such as Senate Bill 2752, the Anti-POGO Act and Senate Bill 1281, the Anti-Online Gambling Act, are currently under review. If passed, they would underpin the country’s legal framework against all forms of online gambling and reinforce EO 74. To ensure a smooth exit for POGOs, PAGCOR and the Bureau of Internal Revenue have been mandated to expedite collecting any outstanding fees and taxes to close the books on the industry once regarded as lucrative but simply too controversial. What Defines a PIGO in the Philippines? A PIGO (Philippine Inland Gaming Operator) is a gaming operator licensed by PAGCOR that allows existing land-based casinos, e-gaming, and sports betting operators to offer online gaming services to registered Filipino players within the country. Key Characteristics of PIGOs: For Local Players Only: Unlike POGOs, which serve foreign players, PIGO operations only cater to Filipino residents. Tied to Existing Land-Based Operators: Only licensed casinos, e-game outlets, or sportsbooks can apply for a PIGO license. Regulated by PAGCOR: Operators must follow strict guidelines, including player verification, anti-money laundering protocols, and responsible gambling measures. Online Gaming for Locals: PIGOs allow Filipino players to access casino games, slot machines, e-bingo, and sports betting from their mobile devices or computers. PIGOs have become increasingly popular in the Philippines as local players make the most of their access to these games of chance. Senate President Calls for Review Of PIGOs Philippines Senate President, Francis Escudero has called for a review of the PIGO sector to determine if these gambling operations, which are easily accessible to Filipinos, are worth continuing. According to the Senator, PIGO operations have escaped the scrutiny afforded their offshore counterparts while offering the same online games to a predominantly local player base. He argued that the issues raised against POGOs could be levelled at their inland counterparts, a cause for even greater concern as the local population was impacted. Escudero said: “We should review this because the ill effects that we want to avoid are most likely present in Pigos, which affect only Filipinos and not foreigners.” Escudero called on PAGCOR to provide an in-depth review of PIGOs to determine the industry’s benefits to the country and to provide the public with a clear view of the implications of playing games of chance. According to PAGCOR, as of June 2024, there were 44 PIGO licensees, including those run by Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels, Travellers International Hotel Group and Thunderbird Pilipinas Hotels and Resorts offering a range of live dealer games, slots and virtual games to local customers. Awaiting Results of the Review The outcome of the PAGCOR review of PIGOs hinges on revenue collection. In 2024, the government-owned entity, which operates its own casinos and licenses private casino operators, reported record revenues of PHP 112 billion, a 41% increase over the previous year. A negative regulator review of PIGOs could set in motion a repeat of the scenario that resulted in the eventual banning of POGOs.
Roobet Casino welcomes all its new players with a generous 7 Days of Cashback promotion, guaranteeing a 20% return on any losses you incur over your first 7 days on the site. The promotion is designed for slot players, so only play at eligible slot machines counts towards cashback. However, Roobet is stacked with thousands of exciting slots, and you can play them all with a lower risk than ever before. The rules of the promotion are very simple. When you sign up, your 7 Days of Cashback will start. Make a real money deposit and play your favorite slot games. If you lose, you will get 20% of your loses back the next day, up to $200 in total. How to Claim Step by Step: Create an Account – Sign up at Roobet Casino to become eligible for the promotion. Make a Deposit – Deposit at least $5 to activate the 7 Days of Cashback offer. Play Slots – Play your favorite eligible slot games and enjoy the excitement. Earn Cashback – If you incur losses, you will receive 20% of your net losses the following day. Get Up to $200 Daily – Cashback is credited daily, with a maximum of $200 per day. If you end up winning in your slot sessions, you won’t get any cashback, but all the money won in the games is yours to keep, with no restrictions or wagering requirements to keep in mind. This makes playing slots for a full week at Roobet Casino better value than anywhere else, making it an ideal destination for every true fan of slot machines. Explore a Huge Library of Bonus Buy Games Roobet Casinos’s massive selection of bonus buy slot games makes it a perfect casino for players chasing the thrill of a big win. Bonus buy games allow you to pay for the bonus feature and skip all the boring spins in between. Pay 100x your bet or more, depending on the game, and trigger the bonus feature right away. Roobet Casino has one of the best selections of bonus buy games you will find anywhere. Titles from Pragmatic Play, Playson, Spinomenal, Elk, and other studios allow you to skip the waiting and go straight to the bonus feature and free spins, where all the big wins await. With the 7 Days of Cashback promotion in the mix, you get to play your favorite bonus buy slots at a discount. If you end up losing, you will get 20% of your loses back the very next day. If you win big, you get to cash out all your winnings and take them to the bank. Ultimate Slots Experience at a Discount The 7 Days of Cashback promotion at Roobet Casino brings one of the best deals in the iGaming industry. Instead of a bonus with steep wagering requirements, Roobet Casino gives you a chance to win your loses back the very next day, with up to $200 of your loses returned to your cash balance daily. Join Roobet Casino today to start your 7 Days of Cashback and explore the operator’s massive selection of slots, including the world’s best bonus buy slot machines.
Baccarat
Craps
Blackjack
Roulette
Slots
Video Poker
